Physical and psychological sequelae of childhood cancer from diagnosis till 5-8 years after diagnosis

The current study builds forth on a longitudinal research project started in
2007 which looked into the physical and psychological sequelae of treatment in
children with cancer during the first year post-diagnosis. This first part of
the study indicated that problems with nutritional status among children with
cancer were diverse. Undernutrition and overweight were frequently present and
both had serious consequences for the chances of survival and quality of life
of the children. In addition, part 1 demonstrated that children and parents
were resilient and able to cope with the stressors brought by the disease.

The current study is a continuation of the cohort 5-8 years post-diagnosis and
aims to evaluate:
1.The course of the nutritional status, and the related factors and
consequences of malnutrition in survivors of childhood cancer until 5-8 years
post-diagosis;
2.Dispositional optimism and pessimism, goals and benefit-finding and the
association of these concepts with well-being in survivors of childhood cancer
at 5-8 years post-diagnosis.

Longitudinal observational study, continuation of a prospective cohort study
started in 2007.
The study consists of one measurement point 5-8 years post-diagnosis.

Respondents will receive questionnaires at home. The total time for answering
the questionnaires will take 20 min for the survivors and 20 min for the
parents. Respondents will wear an accelerometer (watch) for 7 consecutive days
while they are at home. Measurements of nutritional status will be performed
during regular follow-up visits to the outpatient department or during a
homevisit (for those whose next regular follow-up visit is planned > 6months in
the future). These measurements are largely part of routine care (except
skinfold measurements and bio-electrical impedance), are all non-invasive and
not burdensome. In addition, respondents will be interviewed about eating
problems and personal goals. The estimated time for measurements and interview
is 20 minutes. This means that the time for the regular follow-up visit will
take 20 minutes longer than usual.
The risk of participation is negligible, no invasive procedures are performed
and answering the questionnaires is not expected to cause any psychological
discomfort. Given the nature of the study, no SAE*s are to be expected.