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Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2018

Department

Social Work

Faculty Advisor

James Golden, PhD

Abstract

Cancer diagnoses pose numerous social and emotional challenges to those battling their illnesses. While depression, anxiety, and social isolation are common among a significant number cancer patients, the social forces prevailing upon adolescents, specifically females, often intensify the impact of the diagnosis. Hair loss, weight gain, and the distancing of peers, along with significant disruptions to family functioning at a time of complex adolescent psychosocial development, create unique challenges in the recovery of these young women. While there are several prominent programs targeting the prevention and treatment of pediatric cancer, few address the multitude of challenges that these teens face. This study examines the effectiveness of Kaely's Kindness, a local non-profit foundation which focuses on addressing the social and emotional needs of young women diagnosed with cancer, in moderating these concerns. Recommendations for improving support programming for female adolescent cancer patients are presented.

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