Uncertainties Experienced by Adolescents in the Recurrence of Childhood Cancer

• Grant number: 25/09651-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing - Pediatric Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda Machado Silva Rodrigues
• Grantee: Giovanna Andriguetti Souza
• Host Institution: Escola de Enfermagem (EE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The phenomenon of uncertainty in childhood cancer can arise at various points during the disease's trajectory, being more common at diagnosis, at the beginning of new treatments, and especially in cases of cancer recurrence. Cancer recurrence is one of the most significant fears reported by adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. When it occurs, adolescents and their families oscillate between the hope of a cure and contemplation of death. Adolescents who face cancer recurrence report uncertainties related to treatment, prognosis, emotional challenges, fear of rejection, and concerns about the impact of the disease on interpersonal relationships. Understanding this phenomenon is essential for comprehensive care since uncertainties can trigger suffering, anxiety, or other feelings that affect adolescents' coping and adaptation to the disease after recurrence. Thus, the objective of this study is to understand the uncertainties expressed by adolescents with cancer after disease recurrence. This is a qualitative study. Adolescents with cancer, aged 12 to 18 years old, who presented a recurrence of cancer and who are aware of the recurrence of the disease in a period between the registration in the medical records and the knowledge of the recurrence of one to six months, will be invited to participate in the study. Data collection will be through interviews, and the "draw, write, and tell" technique will be used. Reflective thematic analysis will be used for data analysis. As the Theoretical Framework, concepts from The Uncertainty in Illness Theory developed by Mishel will be used, exploring how individuals experience and adapt to illness-related uncertainties. (AU)