[Long-term survival of adult cancer patients from a psychosomatic perspective - literature review and consequences for future research].

OBJECTIVES

The increasing survival of cancer patients is the result of early detection, improved treatment, and demographic change. This poses urgent questions regarding the stresses and needs for care long-term survivors face.

METHODS

A literature survey (PubMed, Scopus) was conducted based on all publications with a psychooncological background from 2004 to 2008 concerning long-term survivors.

RESULTS

Of the 164 publications found, 74 referred to breast cancer; 62 % came from the United States and only 4 % from Germany. Although overall quality of life among long-term survivors appears to be good, considerable adverse somatic effects (long-term effects, late consequences, recidivism, second tumors) and mental effects (e.g., fear of recurrence) persist. Somatic and psychosocial determinants of long-term adjustment, health behaviour, health care needs and utilization, and the quality of life of next-to-kin have hardly been studied. The effects of psychotherapy on survival remain controversial.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of the growing number of long-term surviving cancer patients, it is necessary to study their strains and needs for care under a lifespan perspective.