Adolescent Cancer Survivors: A Literature Review of Psychological Effects Following Remission

Background: The psychological distress caused by cancer can remain long after remission. With advanced curative treatments, many pediatric patients continue to have late complications that interfere with neurologic, physical, and social development.

Objectives: The aim of this article is to analyze nine published articles that focus on adolescent cancer survivors (ACSs) and the incidence and risk factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs).

Methods: A search of published articles including pediatric and adolescent oncology and PTSD was performed. The search was narrowed to peer-reviewed articles published after 2010 that presented empirical data and were specific to post-trauma or post-traumatic stress.

Findings: Significant findings for PTSD and PTSSs were reported in ACSs. ACSs suffering from PTSD and PTSSs should be identified and treated appropriately based on age, diagnosis, treatment, and comorbid symptoms.