A recent study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) indicates that nearly half of adults who survived childhood cancer experience significant symptoms of anxiety or depression. The research focused on 132 adults aged 18 to 40 who had overcome childhood conditions like acute leukaemia, which typically requires intense treatment over a period of two years, often leaving these children isolated from their peers.
Read More
Published in the journal Current Oncology, the study found that 49 percent of participants exhibited clinical symptoms of depression, 41 percent showed symptoms of anxiety, and 43 percent reported significant fatigue. Additionally, 28 percent identified difficulties with cognitive functions at clinically relevant levels. These rates are notably higher than those reported in previous studies and starkly contrast with statistics for the general Norwegian population, where approximately 7 to 10 percent experience depression and 15 to 20 percent experience anxiety during their lifetime.
Anna Franzén, a medical student at NTNU involved in the study, noted the surprising prevalence of mental health issues among survivors. While it is known that childhood cancer survivors face various long-term health challenges, the extent of mental health struggles identified in this research highlights an urgent need for follow-up studies to further understand these issues.
Acute leukaemia, the most common childhood cancer, particularly affects children aged two to five. Over the years, advancements in treatment have resulted in survival rates exceeding 90 percent, a significant medical achievement. However, this success has created a population of adult survivors whose mental health needs remain under-addressed.
Franzén explains that the age at which these children fall ill complicates their development. During treatment, children miss crucial social and cognitive milestones because their chemotherapy and prolonged hospital stays delay their interaction with peers. Attempts to maintain normalcy during treatment are hindered by their compromised immune systems, resulting in missed opportunities for social and cognitive development.
The study emphasizes cognitive challenges, noting that 28 percent of participants faced significant difficulties with attention and executive function, which are critical for managing emotions and thoughts. Impaired cognitive abilities can exacerbate mental health issues, linking executive dysfunction with higher vulnerability to anxiety and depression.
These cognitive difficulties can significantly impact survivors' functioning in daily life, affecting educational and employment opportunities, and subsequently their quality of life. Magnus Aasved Hjort, Associate Professor of Paediatric Oncology at NTNU, highlights the need for continuous follow-up care beyond the age of 18, as current practices often terminate support at that age, coinciding with the emergence of adult health consequences.
International models, such as the outpatient clinics in Sydney offering lifelong follow-up for childhood cancer survivors, suggest a pathway forward. Hjort advocates for establishing a dedicated clinic in Norway to address the long-term health challenges faced by these individuals, emphasizing the importance of supporting their integration into society as they age. As survival rates for childhood cancers continue to improve, addressing the lasting psychological effects will be crucial for the well-being of survivors.