Exploring Young People's Experience of Ending Active Cancer Treatment: When the "Little Cancer Treatment Bubble" Pops.
Journal
Cancer nursing
ISSN: 1538-9804
Titre abrégé: Cancer Nurs
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 7805358
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Historique:
pubmed:
21
3
2020
medline:
16
7
2021
entrez:
21
3
2020
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
The end of active cancer treatment is described as a stressful period for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). However, research evidence describing the experience of AYAs as they transition from active treatment into follow-up care is scarce. We aimed to understand AYAs' experiences within the first 12 months of ending active treatment. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, which were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis of transcripts was used to identify key themes/subthemes. Eleven AYAs (8 female participants), diagnosed with cancer aged 17 to 25 years and 19 to 26 years at point of interview, participated. At time of interview, 7 were within 6 months of treatment completion, and in 4 participants, treatment ended 6 to 12 months prior. Three main themes were identified: (1) challenges of social reintegration and self-identity, (2) expectations versus the lived experience of ending treatment, and (3) sudden loss of the safe "bubble" of treatment. Adolescents and young adults were underprepared for and challenged by the unexpected emotional and physical consequences of ending active cancer treatment. Young people require information and support to prepare for ending active treatment and reintegration to everyday life. Preparation for the short- and long-term physical, social, and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis even when treatment ends will assist young people in managing this transition. Further research is required to develop and test interventions to provide timely, structured, and equitable information and support at the end of treatment to better prepare AYAs for the challenges they may face as treatment ends.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
The end of active cancer treatment is described as a stressful period for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). However, research evidence describing the experience of AYAs as they transition from active treatment into follow-up care is scarce.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to understand AYAs' experiences within the first 12 months of ending active treatment.
METHODS
Data were collected using semistructured interviews, which were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis of transcripts was used to identify key themes/subthemes.
RESULTS
Eleven AYAs (8 female participants), diagnosed with cancer aged 17 to 25 years and 19 to 26 years at point of interview, participated. At time of interview, 7 were within 6 months of treatment completion, and in 4 participants, treatment ended 6 to 12 months prior. Three main themes were identified: (1) challenges of social reintegration and self-identity, (2) expectations versus the lived experience of ending treatment, and (3) sudden loss of the safe "bubble" of treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Adolescents and young adults were underprepared for and challenged by the unexpected emotional and physical consequences of ending active cancer treatment.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Young people require information and support to prepare for ending active treatment and reintegration to everyday life. Preparation for the short- and long-term physical, social, and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis even when treatment ends will assist young people in managing this transition. Further research is required to develop and test interventions to provide timely, structured, and equitable information and support at the end of treatment to better prepare AYAs for the challenges they may face as treatment ends.
Identifiants
pubmed: 32195707
pii: 00002820-202107000-00005
doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000798
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
288-294Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
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