The psychosocial impact of completing childhood cancer treatment: a systematic review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To review the results of any published research study examining the psychosocial functioning of children who have recently completed cancer treatment.


METHODS
Five electronic databases were searched (from 1978 to 2008). Of 1,734 identified articles, 19 met all inclusion criteria. Four articles utilized a qualitative methodology, thirteen utilized a quantitative methodology, and two used mixed methods.


RESULTS
Children may experience positive psychosocial outcomes on treatment completion, including high self-worth, good behavioral conduct, and improved mental health and social behavior. However, they may also experience significant negative outcomes, including lower levels of psychological well-being, mood, liveliness, self-esteem, and motor and physical functioning, as well as increased anxiety, problem behaviors, and sleeping difficulties.


CONCLUSIONS
Completing treatment can be a psychologically complex time for children as they wait to make the transition from "cancer patient" to long-term "cancer survivor." Further high-quality research targeting the needs of these children is warranted.
Wakefield
Claire E
CE
Centre for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders, Sydney Children's Hospital, High St., Randwick, NSW 2031 Sydney, Australia. c.wakefield@unsw.edu.au
McLoone
Jordana
J
Goodenough
Belinda
B
Lenthen
Kate
K
Cairns
David R
DR
Cohn
Richard J
RJ
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011584:Psychology