The role of social support systems in adolescent cancer amputees

Amputation is often a component in the treatment of bone tumors such as osteogenic sarcoma, which is most prevalent in the adolescent age group. Adaptation to cancer and loss of a limb requires a significant multidimensional effort. To examine the role of social support systems, 27 adolescents who had undergone amputations for cancer were interviewed. Inquiries were made regarding patients' perceived social support providers and the impact of amputation upon their lives and independence. Parents, especially mothers, were perceived as realistic and most helpful at the time of surgery (80%), followed by professional hospital staff (59.3%), and siblings (59.3%). Friends of patients were less helpful, as many reported their friends felt sorry for them (65.4%), avoided them (33.3%), or drifted away (40%). Only 7.4% of the patients had a clear preference to be associated with other amputees. This study details other preferences and difficulties encountered by the adolescent amputees and the role of support systems in their adaptation to their disease and amputation.