SIBLINGS OF CHILDHOOD-CANCER SURVIVORS - HOW DOES THIS FORGOTTEN GROUP OF CHILDREN ADJUST AFTER CESSATION OF SUCCESSFUL CANCER-TREATMENT

Citation
Jewm. Vandongenmelman et al., SIBLINGS OF CHILDHOOD-CANCER SURVIVORS - HOW DOES THIS FORGOTTEN GROUP OF CHILDREN ADJUST AFTER CESSATION OF SUCCESSFUL CANCER-TREATMENT, European journal of cancer, 31A(13-14), 1995, pp. 2277-2283
Citations number
31
Categorie Soggetti
Oncology
Journal title
ISSN journal
09598049
Volume
31A
Issue
13-14
Year of publication
1995
Pages
2277 - 2283
Database
ISI
SICI code
0959-8049(1995)31A:13-14<2277:SOCS-H>2.0.ZU;2-B
Abstract
Siblings of childhood cancer patients are labelled the ''forgotten chi ldren'' because they experience significant psychosocial distress and are isolated from support systems inside and outside the family. This study investigates the late consequences of the cancer experience for siblings. 60 siblings of cancer survivors were compared with control s ubjects on measures of psychosocial adjustment. No differences were fo und between siblings of cancer survivors and controls on emotional and behavioural problems and competence, suggesting that siblings adjust well to the period after cessation of treatment. The effect of demogra phic, family and disease-related characteristics on the siblings' psyc hosocial adjustment was limited, Whereas during treatment many psychos ocial problems for siblings have been reported, this does not result i n a heightened risk of psychological disturbance for siblings as a lat e effect. The implications for patient care are discussed.