Changing the Story: Improving the Quality of Life Experienced by Children with Cancer Best Practices, Programs & Interventions

Abstract

It is no secret that children get cancer. While the battle against cancer is no light matter regardless of one’s age, the impact of such a diagnosis for a child or adolescent can be incredibly devastating. The necessity for this project lies in the research that illustrates a need for increased action to be directed toward fulfilling the psychosocial needs of children as they navigate cancer treatments. Children are still in the early stages of development; they are meant to be enriching their minds, building social relationships with peers, and playing and exploring their world. Cancer threatens all of those childhood norms, in addition to a child’s psychosocial well-being and overall quality of life. This paper examines the current research on these facets of childhood cancer, while assessing the impacts of a kit that facilitates effective coping skills and a mentorship program that provides support-based social interaction. Drawing on the presented evidence, this paper serves a means to analyze and advocate for the necessity of broad implementation of psychosocial programming that improves the quality of life experienced by children battling cancer.