Issues of Adolescent Development for Survivors of Childhood Cancer

The adjustment of 41 adolescent survivors of childhood cancer was assessed. Global functioning was good or excellent for 61% of the group and marginal or poor for 27%. Depression was uncommon and self-concept scores were higher than normative values. Concerns about their bodies were problematic for more than half the group. Over 27% were rated as counterphobic and 26% as hypochondriacal. Subtle concerns about their sexuality, attractiveness to the opposite sex, and reproductive capacity were frequent. Over 60% also identified a positive effect of the illness.