Quality of Life of Adolescents and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

AimsTo analyse how adolescents and young adults who survived childhood cancer experience their quality of life and to explore their meanings and conceptualisations of quality of life.DesignNarrative design following Squire's method.MethodsIn‐person and virtual recruitment, due to the global COVID‐19 pandemic, was carried out in Brazil between May and November 2021. Eighteen semi‐structured virtual interviews were conducted with childhood cancer survivors. These data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and employing a triangulation of investigators.ResultsFour subthemes were identified, encompassing participants' perceptions and meanings of quality of life. Through the reflection and synthesis of these subthemes, a central theme emerged entitled ‘New self’, capturing the profound impact of the cancer and survival experience on every aspect of the self, along with participants' sense of having gained ‘a new life’ and a ‘second chance’.ConclusionThe study provides a rich and nuanced understanding of quality of life for childhood cancer survivors. The results highlight that after all the changes in life due to cancer, integrating the new self becomes a central aspect of quality of life for survivors.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareRecognising the profound shifts in self‐perception that survivors of childhood cancer undergo, nurses should engage early in empowering patients and families, offering education, space and support to help adolescents and young adults grow throughout their journey.ImpactThe richness and depth inherent in qualitative data on quality of life can inform the development of care standards and health policies for survivors, guide the allocation of strategic resources and shape the development of plans and interventions focusing on childhood cancer survivors.Reporting MethodThe COREQ checklist was used.Patient or PublicNo patient or public contribution.