Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Cancer: Biopsychosocial Challenges and the Transition from Survival to Quality of Life.

Abstract

<h4>Background/objectives</h4>The increasing population of childhood cancer survivors presents new challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. While advances in oncological treatments have dramatically improved survival rates, survivors face a broad spectrum of late effects that extend beyond the biological to encompass profound psychological and social dimensions.<h4>Methods</h4>This quasi-systematic review synthesizes data from recent studies on adolescent survivors, revealing significant disruptions in cognitive function, mental health, social integration, education, romantic relationships, and vocational outcomes.<h4>Results</h4>This review highlights the inadequacy of a solely biomedical model and advocates for a biopsychosocial approach to long-term follow-up care. An emphasis is placed on the necessity of personalized, interdisciplinary, and developmentally informed interventions, especially in countries like Poland, where structured survivorship care models remain underdeveloped.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The findings underscore the importance of integrating medical, psychological, and social services to ensure adolescent cancer survivors achieve not only physical recovery but also meaningful life participation and emotional well-being.