PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES OF ADOLESCENTS WITH CANCER

Although researchers agree that cancer during adolescence does not lea d to serious psychopathology, the adolescent patient is confronted wit h a number of biopsychosocial problems. This article reviews the liter ature on nine psychosocial issues: (1) Health concerns, (2) Family rel ationships, (3) Sexual and reproductive issues, (4) Peer relationships , (5) Body image, (6) School disruption, (7) Interaction with treatmen t team, (8) Future goals and career development, and (9) Positive life changes. Practice implications and support group interventions for th is population are presented.