The Impact of Cancer on the Physical and Psychosocial Well-being Among Childhood Osteosarcoma Survivors

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. The 5-year overall survival rates of childhood osteosarcoma survivors have been increasing substantially with a percentage approaching to 70%. Regrettably, the improved survival rates may lead to long-term sequelae related to disease and treatments that can negatively affect survivors' physical and psychological well-being. Despite numerous studies have examined the impact of cancer and treatment-related late effects on the physical and psychological aspects of osteosarcoma survivors in the foreign countries, it has not been studied specifically in Hong Kong Chinese population. Problems arise when there is a difference in perception and recognition of psychological problems and emotional well-being between Western and Chinese culture. Moreover, the difference in coping strategies between Chinese and Western children also affects how they react and cope with the devastating effect from cancer and its treatments. Due to the cultural and belief differences, the findings from those studies in the foreign counties may not be applicable and transferable in Hong Kong context. There is thus an imperative need to investigate the impact of cancer and treatment-related effects on the physical and psychosocial well-being and quality of life among Hong Kong Chinese survivors of childhood osteosarcoma in order to raise awareness of the holistic wellness of osteosarcoma survivors.