Psychological Sequelae in Cancer Survivors

Fears associated with termination of treatment; fears of recurrence or second malignancy; adaptation to “unanticipated” late effects; chronic stress on patient and family; development of “survivor” syndrome (guilt); and adaptation to negative social responses.

Abstract

Psychological problems of cancer survivors have added a new dimension to psychooncology research, as more patients, particularly young ones, survive and return to a normal life. However, they are usually concerned about psychosocial problems which impact on quality of life. These are: fears associated with termination of treatment; fears of recurrence or second malignancy; adaptation to "unanticipated" late effects (infertility, CNS dysfunction, organ failure); chronic stress on patient and family; development of "survivor" syndrome (guilt); and adaptation to negative social responses (job, coworkers and friends). The latter impinges heavily on the ability to change jobs, attain promotions and, in the United States, obtain health insurance. For a detailed review of the issues briefly mentioned here, see Tross and Holland [1].