Knowledge of Required Medical Surveillance Among Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2022 Oct 1;44(7):388-392. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002417. Epub 2022 Jan 28.

Abstract

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience treatment-related late effects so guidelines recommend providing a treatment summary, yearly follow-up, and risk-adapted testing. AYA survivors' knowledge of surveillance follow-up was studied.

Results: Survey responses for 73 AYAs were stratified: low (0 to 1 correct; n=18; 24.7%) versus high knowledge (2 to 4 correct; n=55; 75.3%) of their required testing. Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores fell within average ranges for participant age ( T -scores: 52.4 for physical function, 49.3 for anxiety, 46.3 for depression, and 44.7 for fatigue). Younger age at survivorship visit was a significant predictors of improved knowledge scores.

Conclusion: Despite attendance at a survivorship clinic, minority of participants (9.5%) demonstrated complete knowledge of surveillance testing needs. Most survivors are aware of some of their surveillance needs. PROMIS scores were not associated with surveillance knowledge.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anxiety / epidemiology
  • Cancer Survivors* / psychology
  • Cancer Survivors* / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Young Adult