Characterizing pain in long-term survivors of childhood cancer

Abstract

Many long-term survivors of childhood cancer (LTSCCs) experience late-and long-term effects from their treatments, including pain. Yet, pain is poorly understood among LTSCCs. The current study aims to 1a) identify rates and patterns of chronic pain 1b) describe multiple dimensions of pain, and 2) test predictors of chronic pain in LTSCCs. Survivors [n=140; 48.6% male, Mage=17.3 years (SD=4.9)] were recruited from across Canada. Participants completed the

Unique associations of pain frequency and pain-related worry with health-related quality of life in survivors of childhood cancer

“…In 2 previous studies, 47% of youth SCCs reported pain during at least 1 clinic visit 8 and 26% reported chronic pain that had lasted 3 months or longer. 7 Survivors of childhood cancers who experience persistent and frequent pain are likely those who have the greatest clinical need for pain relief and pain management.…”

Measuring fear of cancer recurrence in survivors of childhood cancer: Development and preliminary validation of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI)‐Child and Parent versions

“…Parents (or primary caregivers, herein referred to as parents) had to have a child meeting the above criteria and be able to read and understand English. Further information on the larger studies is outlined elsewhere 17–19 . All children and parents provided written informed consent or assent prior to participation.…”

“…Further information on the larger studies is outlined elsewhere. [17][18][19] All children and parents provided written informed consent or assent prior to participation. Ethics approval was obtained at all sites (IWK: #1023720, Alberta Children's Hospital: #HREBA.CC-17-0059, and Stanford University School of Medicine: #44463).…”

Pain science education for children living with and beyond cancer: Challenges and research agenda

“…[29][30][31][32] The United States alone counts over 420,000 childhood cancer survivors, 33 representing a unique and growing population of young people in need of long-term clinical support. 34 Studies suggest that 11%-43.9% of long-term childhood cancer survivors experience chronic pain, 35,36 defined as pain in one or more anatomic regions persisting or recurring for >3 months. 37 A report of 10,012 survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) 38 showed that 29% of long-term survivors of childhood cancer report moderate to severe pain, 20% report moderate to extreme pain interference, and 9% report moderate to severe recurrent pain.…”