Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Cancer: Biopsychosocial Challenges and the Transition from Survival to Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The increasing population of childhood cancer survivors presents new challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. While advances in oncological treatments have dramatically improved survival rates, survivors face a broad spectrum of late effects that extend beyond the biological to encompass profound psychological and social dimensions.

METHODS

This quasi-systematic review synthesizes data from recent studies on adolescent survivors, revealing significant disruptions in cognitive function, mental health, social integration, education, romantic relationships, and vocational outcomes.

RESULTS

This review highlights the inadequacy of a solely biomedical model and advocates for a biopsychosocial approach to long-term follow-up care. An emphasis is placed on the necessity of personalized, interdisciplinary, and developmentally informed interventions, especially in countries like Poland, where structured survivorship care models remain underdeveloped.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings underscore the importance of integrating medical, psychological, and social services to ensure adolescent cancer survivors achieve not only physical recovery but also meaningful life participation and emotional well-being.