Nearly half of childhood cancer survivors experience symptoms of anxiety or depression as adults
Physician and researcher Magnus Aasved Hjort believes people who survive childhood cancer should receive far better support as adults. It often starts when the child is in preschool. Their skin is paler than usual. Bruises may appear even though the child has not hurt themselves. Some begin to limp and complain of pain in their arms and legs. Some children also have difficulty breathing and…
Nearly half of childhood cancer survivors, aged 18 to 40, experience symptoms of anxiety or depression as adults, according to a Norwegian study. Researchers found that 49% had clinical depression, 41% anxiety, 43% significant fatigue, and 28% cognitive difficulties. This is much higher than the typical rates of depression (7-10%) and anxiety (15-20%) among the general adult population.
The prolonged and intensive treatment required for survival, as well as the young age of the patients, may contribute to these mental health issues. The study suggests that more long-term follow-up is needed to support these survivors and help them integrate into society on equal footing with others.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
