A study led by physician and researcher Magnus Aasved Hjort highlights the significant mental health challenges faced by adults who survived childhood cancer. Many patients begin displaying signs of serious illness in preschool, characterized by unusual paleness, unexplained bruising, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. Acute leukemia, the most common childhood cancer, requires extensive treatment that often lasts around two years, with patients frequently hospitalized for chemotherapy.
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The survival rate for childhood acute leukemia has dramatically improved over the decades, with more than 90% of affected children now surviving, according to Hjort, an associate professor of pediatric oncology at NTNU and a physician at St. Olav's Hospital.
Recent research involving 132 young adults aged 18 to 40 who survived childhood cancer shows that nearly half—49%—exhibit clinical symptoms of depression. An additional 41% report symptoms of anxiety, while 43% experience significant fatigue and 28% face challenges with cognitive functions. These figures indicate a stark contrast to the general rates of depression and anxiety in Norway, which stand at 7% to 10% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Anna Franzén, a medical student involved in the study, noted that while past research acknowledged various health issues faced by childhood cancer survivors, the extent of mental health problems is a newer revelation. She emphasized that the intensive treatments required can overshadow significant aspects of personal development, leaving survivors at a disadvantage in social, mental, and cognitive growth during crucial developmental years.
The implications are profound: while these individuals survive their illnesses, key developmental experiences, such as social interactions and learning skills like reading and writing, are often delayed or forgone.
The participants reported cognitive difficulties, including issues with concentration and task initiation. These challenges can exacerbate emotional regulation, heightening vulnerability to anxiety and depression, and potentially impacting academic and professional functioning.
Hjort stresses the need for ongoing support into adulthood. Currently, survivorship care often ends when patients turn 18, a discontinuation that overlooks their long-term health and societal reintegration. He advocates for establishing specialized follow-up clinics for childhood cancer survivors, similar to those available in other countries, to ensure their smooth transition into adult life and help them engage fully in society.