Promoting healthy development among survivors of adolescent cancer

Cancer-surviving adolescents face significant health challenges including both physical and psychological late effects as they transition to young adulthood. A cancer diagnosis during adolescence, a time of social independence and increased personal decision making, can cause significant social and emotional struggles that may impair the ability of the adolescent to make health-promoting decisions and avoid risky behaviors such as substance use. This article reports on the little studied experiences of adolescents who have survived cancer with a focus on developing programs and policies that address their health-promotion needs in both community and survivorship clinics.