The Psychosocial Consequences of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer in the Transition to Adulthood

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Abstract
Introduction: Childhood and adolescence cancer impacts the life of an entire social and family circle with a strong psychic repercussion on an individual who is in full development. Objective: To analyze the impacts on mental health after the recovery of patients who had cancer during childhood and adolescence and are now in adulthood. Method: Cross- sectional, descriptive, qualitative approach study conducted through semi- structured interviews with nine participants who underwent treatment at the Liga Mossoroence de Estudos e Combate ao Câncer (LMECC). The Bardin Analysis methodology was used to analyze the data. Results: It was observed that mental health was impacted in cancer patients during and after treatment and even when cured, who fear the future and death since diagnosis, and deny reality as a form of self-preservation. Additionally, the process triggers abrupt changes in the patient’s routine, altering their perception of themselves and the world, significantly impacting their quality of life. On the other hand, learning also occurs, showing that the oncological process can bring positive experiences. Conclusion: Psychological follow-up, even after cancer recovery, is of utmost importance for patients, as this pathology is frequently related to the development of mental disorders as depression and anxiety.

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