Childhood brain cancer and its psychosocial impact on survivors and their parents: A qualitative thematic synthesis. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Woodgate, Roberta L.; Tailor, Ketan; Yanofsky, Rochelle; Vanan, Magimairajan Issai
• Is Part Of: European journal of oncology nursing. Volume 20(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 140
• Page End: 149
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Brain tumor -- Childhood cancer -- Cancer survivors -- Parents -- Thematic synthesis; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Research -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Periodicals; Oncology Nursing -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Soins infirmiers -- Périodiques; Cancer -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Cancérologie -- Périodiques; Verpleegkunde; Kanker; Cancer -- Nursing; Cancer -- Research; Oncology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9940231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2015.07.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-3889

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: The multiple late-effects experienced by survivors of childhood brain tumors, are not only a source of great distress for survivors, but also for their parents and siblings. The aim of this review is to systematically identify and synthesize qualitative evidence on how survivors of childhood brain tumors and their parents experience life after surviving childhood brain tumors. Methods: Based on literature search in seven databases, 10 qualitative studies, published between 2004 and 2014 were included. Results: Surviving a childhood brain tumor was experienced as paradox for survivors and their parents. While parents and survivors celebrated making it through the cancer experience, they nonetheless encountered a world with loss and new challenges. In short, the experience of survival was a bittersweet experience for survivors and their parents. Survivors and their parents experienced change that included living with uncertainty, intensification of the parenting role, a changing social world, a different way of being, and the need for additional help. Conclusion: Results from this synthesis reinforce that surviving a childhood brain tumor should be viewed as a point on a continuum of living with a brain tumor. Psychosocial effects of surviving brain cancer affect the entire family unit. A need for psychosocial support is evident, although development of such supports necessitates a more full understanding of challenges face by the child affected, their parents, and siblings. The limitations noted in this synthesis reinforce that more qualitative research is needed in this subject area. Highlights: Surviving a childhood brain tumor is experienced as paradox with many changes for survivors and their parents. Survivors and parents experience uncertainty, a changing social world, and a shift in their way-of-being. Parents experience significant stress related to an intensification of the parenting role. Surviving a childhood brain tumor is best viewed as a point on a continuum of living with a brain tumour. The need for more psychosocial support is evident for survivors of childhood brain tumors and their families.