VIEWS OF CHILDHOOD-CANCER SURVIVORS - SELECTED PERSPECTIVES

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation surveyed approximately 300 off-treatment childhood cancer survivors as well as a comparison group of young adults who had not experienced cancer. Focused group intervi ews, conducted by a childhood cancer survivor, augmented the questionn aire findings. Selected results include: (1) survivors reported feelin g more positive than their peers; (2) self-reported health status was more negative for survivors than their peers; (3) survivors reported m ore worries surrounding cancer-related illnesses. Conversely, they rep orted fewer general health worries than their peers. In addition, surv ivors need services such as information, counseling (interpersonal and career), and meetings with other survivors. These findings suggest th e need for improved programming by health care providers during and af ter treatment, as well as the importance of a national survivor networ k, to address the unique needs of the off-treatment childhood cancer s urvivor.