The Meaning of Surviving Cancer for Latino Adolescents and Emerging Young Adults

Abstract

Background Adolescents and young adult (AYA) survivors of cancer are an understudied population with unique developmental and medical needs that extend well beyond their active treatment. Survivors diagnosed as AYAs may experience both physical and emotional late effects. In particular, the experiences of Latino cancer survivors have not been explored. Objective The purpose of this study was to conduct interviews with AYA Latino cancer survivors to inform professionals working with these survivors. Design A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was selected based on the focus on experiences and meanings of Latino adolescents’ cancer survivorship. Phenomenology allows for understanding the subjective meaning and lived experience of populations that are understudied or marginalized. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants Participants Latino AYAs between the ages of 14–21 who were all post treatment. Results Interviews revealed seven themes regarding the experience and meaning of survivorship for this population: gratitude, humor/positive attitude, empathy for younger children with cancer, god and faith, cancer happens for a reason/cancer changed my life/, familial support, and staff relationships. Conclusions Latino adolescent and young adult cancer survivors develop meaning out of unique cancer experiences. Programs need to be developed specifically to address Latino adolescents and young adult survivors of cancer.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Review of Qualitative Studies

“…The majority of the studies included both males and females. [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] Three studies did not indicate the gender distribution, [35][36][37] and the remaining two studies reported the inclusion of either all females 38 or all males. 39 The age of participants included in the studies ranged from 13 to 38 years old at the time of interview.…”

“…26,27 Despite hardship on the family, many YASCC developed closer and stronger relationships with family members through the cancer experience. 28,29,32,36 Survivors reported receiving emotional and physical support from their parents who acted as facilitators to their care. 25 However, in some cases, the increased family bond may have contributed to impaired autonomy for the survivor.…”

“…39 The age of participants included in the studies ranged from 13 to 38 years old at the time of interview. Six studies reported the participants' time since diagnosis, 26,27,29,31,32,34 which ranged between 1 and 36 years, and one study 36 indicated only that participants were at least five years postdiagnosis. Most studies consisted of survivors of various cancer diagnoses, although two focused on only one specific cancer type (brain cancer or leukemia) 24,35 and one did not indicate the cancer type.…”

“…YASCC reported increased vulnerability to common illnesses such as allergies and dental problems, 36 poor vision, 26,36 hearing loss, 26 short stature and balance problems, 26,35,36 arthritis, sensitive skin and underproductive thyroid, 24 deficits in endocrine and motor-sensory functioning, and semi-paralysis. 26 Survivors also suffered from chronic diseases and symptoms such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight loss, 29 as well as fatigue 26,30 and chronic back and bone pain. 36 Theme 2: Fertility/sexual functioning.…”

“…Most studies consisted of survivors of various cancer diagnoses, although two focused on only one specific cancer type (brain cancer or leukemia) 24,35 and one did not indicate the cancer type. 29 One study used a mixed (qualitative and quantitative) methods design, 27 although the quantitative results are not included in this review; the remaining studies used only qualitative methods. Methods to collect data primarily consisted of individual interviews and/or focus groups, although one study used Photovoice 33 and one study used a series of online sessions with the same group of participants.…”