Affiliation:
1. Department of Medical Psychology Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
2. Quality of Care Program Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
3. Cancer Center Amsterdam Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life Amsterdam The Netherlands
4. Department of Health Psychology University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
5. Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology University Hospital Bonn Bonn Germany
6. German Childhood Cancer Registry (GCCR) Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI) University Medical Center Mainz Mainz Germany
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo describe young adult childhood cancer survivors' disclosure of their cancer history (i.e., disclosure behavior, difficulty, and timing), perceived partner responses, and associations with relationship status satisfaction.MethodsGerman long‐term survivors of childhood cancer (N = 509; response rate: 31.3%, age 21–26, 59.7% female) completed a registry‐based nationwide survey (embedded mixed methods design, including closed and open‐ended questions) on measures about disclosure history (behavior, difficulty, and timing), partner responses, and relationship status satisfaction. Statistical (χ2‐, t‐, or F‐tests) and qualitative analyses were conducted.ResultsHalf of all survivors always disclosed their cancer history to romantic partners. Thereby, three themes for considering (non‐)disclosure were identified: Survivors' attitudes, having integrated cancer as part of their identity, and anticipated effects on romantic relationships. About 40% indicated having no difficulties with disclosing their cancer history. The timing of disclosure varied, with most survivors disclosing after a few dates. Facilitators of disclosure were the visibility of their former illness (e.g., scars), having trust in a (potential) partner, getting older/mature, and previous positive experiences with disclosure. Few survivors (13.8%) had ever experienced negative responses from dating partners. Yet, those who had negative experiences, found it more difficult to disclose their cancer history. Survivors were overall rather satisfied with their relationship status, with partnered survivors reporting greater satisfaction than singles (Hedge's g = 1.68); and particularly partnered survivors with past positive responses being most satisfied.ConclusionsYoung adult childhood cancer survivors appear rather open in disclosing their cancer history to (potential) romantic partners, and few experienced negative responses. Psycho‐educational programs may emphasize such findings in helping to prevent fear of disclosure or avoidance of dating and disclosure among survivors.
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health,Oncology,Experimental and Cognitive Psychology