The psychological care of paediatric cancer patients and their families in New Zealand

Abstract

Recent developments in the clinical context of many childhood cancers have significantly altered their course in most sufferers, and according to Smithson (1980) remissions of 5 or more years are now secured for up to 70% of children in many treatment centres and a small proportion have survived for much longer Prognosis in individual cases remains relatively unpredictable. Some observers, have noted that these apparent clinical gains have hightened immediate medical and experiential uncertainties, in that insight into etiology and into variation in response to treatment have not kept pace with chemotherapeutic advance, and prognosis in individual cases remains relatively unpredictable. A recent book on the subject noted that one of the most significant aspects of a diagnosis of cancer in childhood, is the unpredictability of the disease, in relation to its course and outcome, which turns upon the starkest of alternatives, namely life or death. Medical Knowledge of many of these diseases has advanced in piece meal fashion, the gains highlighting the vastness of remaining ignorance, However, not only have these advances made the disease course more unpredictable, but some observers have suggested that there has arisen a 'developmental lag', between the provision of medical and psychological services to these children and their families.