Social isolation and connection in adolescents with cancer and survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer may cause signiicant disruptions in normal adolescent development particularly in social domains. Both treatment and survivorship pose challenges to fostering social connections. To better understand these challenges, we conducted a systematic literature review of the experience of social isolation and connectedness in adolescents with cancer and adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. Methods: A systematic review of the scientiic literature was conducted following PRISMA Guidelines. Eligible articles included original peer-reviewed research published in English between January 2000 and April 2020 that reported on social domains of patients and survivors of cancer between the ages of 10-21. Initial database search identiied 4606 articles with 43 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Results: Results were synthesized into four domains: (1) the prevalence of connectedness/isolation; (2) risk factors associated with social isolation; (3) protective factors against social isolation; (4) the impact of social isolation on psychological health. Overall, adolescent patients and survivors of cancer have satisfactory social connectedness. However, certain subgroups including those with central nervous system tumors are at higher risk of social isolation. Conclusions: In general, adolescent cancer patients and survivors report levels of social connectedness consistent with healthy adolescent population norms. The risk and protective factors identiied in this review may help serve as important indicators for psychosocial screening and interventions. These indings are particularly relevant in the COVID-19 era as all adolescents face challenges to social connections and psychosocial development.

Visualizing the Invisible—The Needs and Wishes of Childhood Cancer Survivors for Digitally Mediated Emotional Peer Support

“…In line with this, previous research has stressed sexuality as an urgent and necessary topic to discuss in this population [ 29 , 30 , 31 ]. AYA long-term survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of poor social outcomes and poor quality of life compared to healthy peers [ 32 ]. Consequently, there is a need for psychosocial screening in order to provide strategies for this group to cope with their burden [ 33 , 34 , 35 ].…”

“…Today, social media is probably the most common way for AYAs in general to communicate their feelings and well-being with peers and others [ 41 ]. In light of the current COVID-19 situation, socializing on the internet has increased, even among AYA long-term survivors of childhood cancer [ 32 ]. Most of these digital platforms are accessible and acceptable for most AYAs.…”

The Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health Status of Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer and the Development of a Knowledge Translation Tool to Support Their Information Needs

“…Of note, the pandemic has drastically changed the access to and model of delivery of follow-up care for survivors (replacing face-to-face appointments to virtual health), which has implications for the surveillance of their health and psychosocial needs (McLoone et al, 2020). Further, quarantine and social isolation (Pahl et al, 2021) may contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness (e.g., Brinkman et al, 2018) that further compromise one's mental health (e.g., Nearchou et al, 2020).…”

Childhood cancer survivorship care during the COVID-19 pandemic: an international report of practice implications and provider concerns

“…Perceptions of potentially increased health threats if exposed to COVID-19 and closure of LTFU clinics may have heightened feelings of anxiety in CCS. Moreover, some CCS may be adhering more strictly to physical distancing measures (e.g., staying indoors and not receiving visitors), which can in turn increase feelings of social isolation and negatively impact psychosocial functioning and health [ 8 , 24 , 25 ].…”