Interventions to enhance communication involving children and adolescents with cancer have not been widely or rigorously assessed. The weak evidence that exists suggests that some children and adolescents with cancer may derive some benefit from specific information-giving programs, from support before and during particular procedures, and from interventions that aim to facilitate their reintegration into school and social activities. More research is needed to investigate the effects of these and other related interventions.
Group therapy with adolescent cancer patients.
This preliminary study assessed the psychologic distress and group psychotherapy of a small group of adolescents and young adults with cancer. A strong relationship was found between the patients' and parents' amount of psychologic distress. It seems that youngsters with cancer in active medical treatment (as well as their parents) use more denial and that psychotherapy increases psychologic distress.