Psychological and Psychosocial Effects of Cancer on Young Patients and Survivors in Italy: A Mixed-Methods Study on the Challenges and Meaning-Making Factors

<b>Background:</b> Pediatric oncological diagnoses and treatments pose complex biopsychosocial challenges for both patients and their families. These experiences can significantly disrupt daily life, evoke intense emotional responses, and raise concerns about the future, often leading to long-term psychological implications. <b>Objective:</b> This study aimed to assess the emotional functioning of children undergoing cancer treatment and to explore the lasting psychological effects reported by young adult survivors of pediatric cancer. <b>Methods:</b> A mixed-methods approach was employed. In total, 52 minors and their caregivers were recruited from two pediatric oncology units in Italy (Turin and Bari), while 18 young adults diagnosed during childhood were recruited from clinical and community settings in Ancona and Bari. Standardized instruments were used to evaluate emotional symptoms and broader psychological functioning in the pediatric sample, while self-report measures assessed psychological well-being and quality of life in the young adult group. To complement these data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the young adult survivors to investigate the long-term psychosocial and psychological impacts of pediatric cancer. <b>Results:</b> The quantitative results indicate generally low levels of psychological distress in both groups. However, the qualitative findings reveal the complexity of post-cancer identity, highlighting experiences of resilience, emotional ambivalence, and redefinition of self. <b>Conclusions:</b> These results underscore the importance of addressing the psychological well-being of pediatric oncology patients and young adult survivors beyond the medical treatment phase, with a focus on long-term psychosocial support and individualized care.