Multi-Systemic Psychosocial Supports for Pediatric and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Literature Review

Long-term survival rates for childhood cancer have increased dramatically over the past few decades, with 5-year relative survival rates now exceeding 85% in high-income countries (Erdmann et al., 2021). While these medical advancements are noteworthy, the intensive nature of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and prolonged periods of isolation leaves profound emotional and physical marks on young survivors.

Pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) frequently face a complex mix of long-term health challenges after treatment. These issues include body transformations, physical side effects, severe loneliness, and noticeable neurocognitive difficulties, such as problems with memory, concentration, and planning daily tasks (Crochet et al., 2019; Low et al., 2024; O'Donnell et al., 2025). During active pediatric cancer treatment, multidisciplinary teams routinely provide structured psychosocial support to help families manage acute distress (Scialla et al., 2018).

However, as patients transition into remission, scheduled contact with oncology teams decreases, which can leave families with reduced immediate access to ongoing support (Ryan et al., 2021). While basic support is common during active treatment, many pediatric oncology programs lack the specialized mental health staff required to meet recommended long-term standards of care, leaving many survivors with unaddressed psychosocial needs (Lown et al., 2015; Scialla et al., 2018).

To ensure optimal long-term health outcomes, institutions require reliable, scalable programs that connect acute hospital treatments to homelife (Coleman et al., 2006; Naylor et al., 2004). This literature review evaluates the stress and emotional challenges faced by childhood cancer survivors and explores how A Moment of Magic (AMoM) may be able to address these gaps through their scalable, community-led volunteer model. By analyzing current mental health program outcomes, family dynamics, and systemic hospital staffing shortages, this paper investigates how integrating AMoM's framework with the 5-Elements of Systemic Wellbeing Framework assessments, measuring psychological health and stress resiliency, can deliver affordable, preventative care early in the survivorship continuum.