Background The number of long term cancer survivors during childhood or
adolescence is increasing steadily. Survivors often suffer from physical or
psychosocial long term effects. There is currently little data on the
arrangement of long term aftercare in the field of psychosocial care.
Methods In November 2017 a questionnaire was sent to 1900 cancer survivors
aged between 18 and 35 years whose diagnosis dated at least five years prior.
The obtained data serve as a condition and needs assessment, how the
(psychosocial) long-term aftercare is perceived by the survivors and what else
is desired. The analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics as well as
the calculation of bivariate correlations.
Results The response rate was 54.9% (n=1.043). The median
interval from the first diagnosis was 20 years. In total 666 survivors
(63.9%) stated that they suffered from at least one long term effect.
Within this, especially neurocognitive themes played a role. 87.2% of
the respondents had the feeling that they had overcome the
illness/therapy well.
Conclusion Through a stronger patient-focussed orientation concerning the
current care and advisory services, the situation of long term survivors could
be improved. This especially includes access to relevant information that
focuses on the available psychosocial and welfare services, as well as to
advisory and care services. Additionally, the development and expansion of care
structures in the areas of neurocognition and psychotherapy is important to
ensure long term participation attendance.