Dados do Resumo

Título

Psychosocial aspects of pediatric cancer: Exploring the impact of Ewing's sarcoma diagnosis on children and their families.

Introdução

Pediatric cancer presents unique challenges, and Ewing's sarcoma, the second most common malignant bone tumor in pediatrics, is notable for its aggressiveness and complexity, with varying prognoses depending on the tumor's location, initial metastases, and the child's age. Due to these characteristics, this study explores the psychosocial aspects of this diagnosis, focusing on the emotional and social impact on the child and their family.

Objetivo

This study aims to synthesize the main psychosocial impacts on patients and their families associated with the diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma, highlighting the need for attention that goes beyond physical health in these contexts.

Métodos

A systematic review of the literature was conducted on the diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma from a psychoemotional perspective concerning the patient and their family. For this investigation, articles from the last 20 years in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were selected and analyzed from the databases BVS, SCielo, and PUBMED, using the following descriptors in English: “Ewing Sarcoma” “Psychosocial Impact,” “Emotional Impact” and “Psychological and Cancer.” Inclusion criteria were publications presenting studies in the context of Pediatric Oncology. Exclusion criteria were articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria, those focusing solely on the physical impacts of the disease, and duplicate studies. Eleven publications were pre-selected, and after applying the criteria, seven studies were selected for the review.

Resultados

The results of the review on the psychosocial impacts of Ewing's sarcoma show that cancer diagnosis and treatment have a profound emotional impact on children, with anxiety and depression affecting around 70% of patients. Quality of life is also severely affected, with 70% of patients facing physical limitations and 60% facing social difficulties, which impair daily activities and school performance. Social and family support proved crucial, despite 55% of patients reporting social isolation and family stress being present in 80% of households, especially among low-income families. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression by 50% after 6 months. In addition, 55% faced challenges in identity formation and self-esteem, which improved with group therapy, and 65% reported progress with adequate educational support, highlighting the need to integrate psychosocial care with medical treatment for these patients.

Conclusões

The diagnosis of Ewing's Sarcoma represents a meaningful emotional difficulty for the patient and their family, with a high prevalence of anxiety, depression and impact on quality of life. The integration of psychological support and appropriate interventions into medical treatment is clear, as it helps to reduce emotional symptoms and improve quality of life. Ongoing multidisciplinary interventions and the inclusion of psychosocial support are essential to overcome the complex needs generated.

Palavras Chave

Psychosocial Impact; Ewing Sarcoma; Pediatric Oncology