Childhood Cancer Survivors’ Views on “Independence”: Aiming for the Reconstruction of Family Relationships

Abstract

This study focuses on family relationships of childhood cancer survivors, discussing how these childhood survivors feel about “independence” and “autonomy”. Advances in medical technology have made it possible that cancers are now not necessarily incurable. As cancer has grown to affect more and more people, it is no longer something to be treated, but rather something with which to coexist. Adult as well as childhood cancer survivors are obsessed with the negative image that the survivors are weak, and that they should be provided with dedicated care by their parents. However, childhood cancer survivors, who do not necessarily accept the attitude of their parents, are suffering from discontent and conflict. Therefore, these childhood cancer survivors need to reconstruct their family relationships.

It is difficult for adolescents to be independent from their parents, even if these adolescents are in good health. Furthermore, childhood survivors who are regarded as “beings to be protected” by their parents will have trouble achieving independence. Childhood cancer survivors’ own views on “Independence” in this situation are indicated in this study.