Mapping and comparing the quality of life challenges in childhood and adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: an umbrella review and future directions

Abstract

Background: a cancer diagnosis early in life can leave a legacy in terms of compromised Quality of Life (QoL). There is a lack of clarity regarding the impact on QoL according to age at diagnosis, with childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and adolescents and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) often combined. As part of an EORTC Quality of Life Group study, this umbrella review aims to (1) identify the QoL outcomes reported in the literature for both CCS and AYACS, and (2) investigate the similarities and differences in QoL challenges between both groups.

Methods: a systematic literature search of systematic reviews and meta-analyses was conducted in December 2023 using PubMed, PsychInfo, and CINAHL. Methodological quality was evaluated using the AMSTAR tool.

Results: overall, 1457 articles were assessed, and 39 systematic reviews and meta-analyses met the inclusion criteria. QoL outcomes were categorized into eight QoL domains, all of which were reported in both groups of young survivors. However, reviews on CCS often focused on outcomes relating to emotional functioning, cognitive difficulties, social challenges, school functioning, body image and overall happiness, whereas AYACS reviews had a greater focus on depressive symptoms, outcomes related to sexual health and reproductive health, employment, financial difficulties, self-image and identity and the impact of cancer.

Conclusion: this umbrella review comprehensively explores QoL outcomes among CCS and AYACS, revealing both shared and distinct challenges. Future research should focus on developing tailored questionnaires, emphasizing transition periods and incorporating a life perspective to capture unique developmental tasks of young survivors.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Samantha C. Sodergren: orcid.org/0000-0001-8755-146X

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