title: It Is Tough and Tiring but It Works--Children's Experiences of Undergoing Radiotherapy.
abstract: Approximately 300 children ages 0 to 18 are diagnosed with cancer in Sweden every year, and 80 to 90 of them undergo radiotherapy treatment. The aim was to describe children's experiences of preparing for and undergoing radiotherapy, and furthermore to describe children's suggestions for improvement. Thirteen children between the ages of 5 and 15 with various cancer diagnoses were interviewed. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed five categories: positive and negative experiences with hospital stays and practical arrangements; age-appropriate information, communication, and guidance to various degrees; struggle with emotions; use of distraction and other suitable coping strategies; and children's suggestions for improvement during radiotherapy. An overarching theme emerged: "It is tough and tiring but it works". Some key areas were: explanatory visits, the need for information and communication, being afraid, discomfort and suffering, the need for media distraction, dealing with emotions, and the need for support. A systematic, family-centered preparation program could possible help families prepare and individualized distraction during radiotherapy could contribute to reducing distress. Further studies with interventions could clarify successful programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Women´s and Children´s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.|Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
authors.forename: Gunn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Engvall
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ångström-Brännström
authors.affiliation: Umeå Institute of Design, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mullaney
authors.affiliation: Section of Oncology, Department of Oncology, Radiology and Clinical Immunology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nilsson
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Radiumhemmet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Gun
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wickart-Johansson
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Anna-Maja
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Svärd
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Tufve
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nyholm
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lindh
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Viveca
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lindh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects