Abstract

GAMEIRO, Manuel G. H.. Adaptation of adolescents with cancer during treatment: a literature review. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2012, vol.serIII, n.8, pp.135-146. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIII1273.

Cancer in adolescence is an especially critical experience. Adolescents with cancer have to face the demands of confronting the threat to life and suffering related to the illness and treatments, along with the challenges and developmental conditions of their own stage in life. We conducted a systematic review of empirical literature indexed in online databases with the main aim of understanding “how to characterize and process the adaptation during treatment of adolescents with cancer“. Fifteen articles published since the year 2000 were analysed. From the results we identified some consistency in the empirical evidence, particularly related to coping and adjustment mechanisms and adaptive responses common in this population. New perspectives are described and other aspects suggested which need further research, particularly focusing on the adaptation process during personal transition. Some implications for nursing practice are also identified.

Keywords : adolescent; adaptation; coping; cancer.

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