Uncerntainty in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Uncertainty in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

“Advances in the treatment of pediatric cancer have dramatically improved survival rates, but the outcome for individual children and adolescents remains unpredictable” (Decker, Haase, & Bell, 2007, p. 681). Numerous studies were conducted to understand the uncertainty levels of adolescents and young adults with cancer. The study focused on the experiences of individuals during cancer treatment and their coping mechanisms related to the diagnosis.

Research Problem

When there is a gap in knowledge that requires a solution that can be described, predicted or explained to improve the practice of nursing it is called a research problem (Schmidt & Brown, 2009, p.57). The research problem the study is addressing is uncertainty in several stages of surviving cancer, ranging from diagnosis throughout numerous years of treatment in young adults and adolescent survivors (Decker, Haase, & Bell, 2007, p. 681). The study does not directly state what the research question was in the article; however the question that was addressed in the study includes “What is the difference in level of uncertainty at different stages of cancer survivorship in young adults and adolescents?” The article did not state a hypothesis to answer the question that is stated in the article.

Review of Literature, Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

The review of literature is an impartial, comprehensive, “synthesized description of relevant, previously published studies” (Schmidt & Brown, 2007, p.16). The review of literature focuses on the most recent productions in the field and it may also include citations that are older if they are important to the study (p.16).

According to Decker et al., theoretical framework “describes the relationships among general concepts and provides linkages to what is being measured in the study” (p.16). For example authors may use diagrams or models in order to explain theoretical...