Teenagers diagnosed with cancer are likely to have problems in their adult years, a new study has revealed.
Pediatric cancer specialists at the Louisiana State University School Health Sciences Center in New Orleans found out that those who have survived cancer among teenagers are finding it harder to finish college, keep a full-time job, marry or live by themselves when they become adults, especially when compared to their siblings.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, also revealed that incidences of depression and anxiety are also prevalent among teenage cancer survivors.
"Cancer diagnosis during adolescence has the potential to disrupt the growth process that is necessary for adulthood; so our team felt it was important to try and characterize what obstacles these survivors are facing," said Dr. Pinki Prasad, the lead author of the research, according to Reuters.
In the study, Dr. Prasad and her team examined the data of 2,589 cancer survivors between the ages of 11 and 21. These kids were part of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study that took place between 1970 and 1986. Their siblings were also asked to participate in the study to serve as the basis for comparison.
By the time the respondents were in their 30s, they were asked about their current status of employment, educational attainment and standard of living. The respondents were also asked to rate their capabilities, including cognitive functioning, task and memory efficiency as well as their emotional state.
From the participants, teenager cancer survivors were found to be three times more likely to be unemployed compared to their siblings. They were also 50 percent more prone to depression and anxiety. These survivors also rated themselves as having to cope with more emotional and memory problems.
The results of the study were most likely linked to a teenage cancer survivor's "neurocognitive symptoms," which largely affect learning, memory retention, perception and even social cognition, as per Psych Central.
However, Prasad also stated that the teen survivors' struggles in adulthood may be due to the fact that their treatment came at a phase when social and emotional development is crucial. "Cancer treatment at this time interferes with development of relationships, academic achievement, participation in social activities and the development of autonomy from parents," the lead author said in the Reuters report.
The findings, however, presented some limitations, according to Heather Conklin of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, as the respondents' self-reporting can be regarded as erratic.
Additionally, the findings "may be less applicable for those patients receiving modern therapy," said Heather Conklin, an associate faculty member at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and recommended further studies. Dr. Prasad agreed with this Conklin, saying, "It is important to continue to learn more about this vulnerable population through clinical studies so they do well through cancer therapy and as survivors."
