Posttraumatic growth and illness perception in survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer

• DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00810-3
• Publication Date: 2023-10-30T11:01:50Z
• Authors: Céline Bolliger; Pauline Holmer; Silvia Dehler; Katharina Roser; Gisela Michel
• Keywords: Research; Benefit finding; Illness perception; Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens; Adolescent and young adult; Survivor; RC254-282; 3. Good health; Cancer; Posttraumatic growth

Abstract Background Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer during a challenging period of life. We aimed to (1) describe positive changes (posttraumatic growth; PTG) and illness perception, and (2) determine associations between PTG and illness perception, sociodemographic, and cancer-related characteristics in Swiss AYA cancer survivors.

Methods We conducted a population-based survey among AYA cancer survivors diagnosed 1990–2005 at age 16–25 years, who had survived ≥ 5 years. We used the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regressions.

Results Among 389 contacted survivors, 160 responded (61.3% male; mean age = 34 years, SD = 5.8). The mean PTG sum score was 54.63 (SD = 20.24; range: 8–101). Survivors reported high PTG especially in the domains Appreciation of life (mean = 3.23; 95% confidence interval, 3.05–3.40), Personal strength (2.94; 2.77–3.12), and Relating to others (2.57; 2.40–2.74). Neither sociodemographic nor cancer-related characteristics were associated with PTG. Survivors who perceived follow-up care as helpful (p < 0.001) and those with high concerns about the consequences of the illness (p < 0.001) reported higher PTG.

Conclusions Finding ways to promote PTG and to identify and address maladaptive illness perceptions may help survivors transform their experience into something meaningful for their future life.