Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors

Background To date, there are few studies that examine the perspectives of older survivors of childhood brain tumors who are living with their families in terms of their sense of self and their role in their families. Objective The aim of this study was to describe how adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors describe their health-related quality of life, that is, their physical, emotional, and social functioning. Methods This qualitative descriptive study included a purposive sample of 41 adolescent and young adult survivors of a childhood brain tumor who live with their families. Home interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide. Directed content analytic techniques were used to analyze data using health-related quality of life as a framework. Results This group of brain tumor survivors described their everyday lives in terms of their physical health, neurocognitive functioning, emotional health, social functioning, and self-care abilities. Overall, survivors struggle for normalcy in the face of changed functioning due to their cancer and the (late) effects of their treatment. Conclusions Neurocognitive issues seemed most compelling in the narratives. The importance of families went beyond the resources, structure, and support for functioning. Their families provided the recognition that they were important beings and their existence mattered to someone. Implications for practice The value and complexity of care coordination were highlighted by the multifaceted needs of the survivors. Advocacy for appropriate and timely educational, vocational, and social support is critical as part of comprehensive cancer survivorship care.