Why a Comprehensive Handbook on Pediatric Psychosocial Oncology/Hematology

Abstract

Over the past 25 to 30 years, monumental strides in national policy have been made in the management, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Rowland (2005) summarized these accomplishments, including legislation that provides for revenues and resources for research in cancer prevention and control. In addition, other pertinent policy issues have emerged from the Institute of Medicine, the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, all of which have served to increase the awareness of cancer, prevent the occurrence of cancer, and address cancer survivorship. Cancer policy issues have been models for increased resources and revenues for patient care, research, and quality-of-life enhancement. Nowhere is the success that we have had with policy more evident than in pediatric psychosocial oncology. The enormous advances in the prevention, medical treatment, medical management of late effects, and quality-of-life issues in children and adolescents surviving cancer have spawned a host of research in pediatric psychosocial oncology. These investigations likely surpass most research efforts for other chronic diseases. In fact, Bearison and Mulhern (1994) observed that there are more studies related to psychosocial oncology than perhaps there have been children with the disease. In my role as editor of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, I conducted an informal survey of manuscripts; it indicated we process more submissions related to cancer than any other disease or chronic illness. Bearison and Mulhern also noted that psychological studies in the area of pediatric oncology have permeated most psychology and pediatric journals. Even the most dedicated scholar in psychosocial oncology and hematology has a difficult time keeping up with the everburgeoning literature body. Bearison and Mulhern published the last handbook on psychosocial issues in pediatric hematology/oncology in 1994. Since then, a proliferation of literature in the field has been concomitant with major developments in pediatric oncology, including increased use of chemotherapy, the evolution of bone marrow transplantation as a means of treating children and adolescents who have been refractory to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and intensive investigation of survivorship and the late effects that many of these children endure.