The Self-Reflection Process on Having a Disease among Survivors of Childhood Cancer:

A Focus on Adapting to Life with Disease Physically and Psychologically through Their Lives from Adolescence to Adulthood

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate how childhood cancer survivors self-reflected on having cancer from the time they became aware of their disease to adulthood.
Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 childhood cancer survivors aged 20-36 and performed an interpretive analysis using the modified grounded theory approach.
Results: 34 concepts, 10 'categories', and one [core category] were generated. Childhood cancer survivors 'struggled to accept the situation' of the 'physical changes' and 'threat to their life' associated with the onset, recurrence, and late-onset complications of childhood cancer. Afterward they were supported by 'being together', they 'resigned to accept treatment' and were able to again 'have future hopes and life expectations. Then, they attempted to [build and maintain a normal life] , which led them to 'gain confidence'. Through this process, they were able to 'socially reintegrate', 'experience life events', and 'ascertain how to explain their disease to others and adjust to the sense of distance between self and others'.
Conclusions: These findings suggest the importance of supporting childhood cancer survivors in adjusting lifestyles, including fostering relationships with others and experiencing life events, and considering the physical and psychological changes that occur with the onset and late effects of childhood cancer.