[Long-term survival of adult cancer patients from a psychosomatic perspective - literature review and consequences for future research].
OBJECTIVE
The increasing survival of cancer patients is the result of early detection, improved treatment, and demographic change. This poses urgent questions regarding the stresses and needs for care long-term survivors face.


METHODS
A literature survey (PubMed, Scopus) was conducted based on all publications with a psychooncological background from 2004 to 2008 concerning long-term survivors.


RESULTS
Of the 164 publications found, 74 referred to breast cancer; 62 % came from the United States and only 4 % from Germany. Although overall quality of life among long-term survivors appears to be good, considerable adverse somatic effects (long-term effects, late consequences, recidivism, second tumors) and mental effects (e.g., fear of recurrence) persist. Somatic and psychosocial determinants of long-term adjustment, health behaviour, health care needs and utilization, and the quality of life of next-to-kin have hardly been studied. The effects of psychotherapy on survival remain controversial.


CONCLUSIONS
In light of the growing number of long-term surviving cancer patients, it is necessary to study their strains and needs for care under a lifespan perspective.
Ernst
Jochen
J
Universität Leipzig, Abteilung Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, Philipp-Rosenthal-Strasse 55, 04103 Leipzig. jochen.ernst@medizin.uni-leipzip.de
Peuker
Mareike
M
Schwarz
Reinhold
R
Fischbeck
Sabine
S
Beutel
Manfred E
ME
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012803:Sick Role; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*
Langzeitüberleben von Erwachsenen nach Krebs aus psychosomatischer Sicht-Literaturübersicht und Forschungsdesiderate.