Congress Abstracts 2005

23

ADOLESCENTS THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: THE LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER PROGRAM FOR TEENS. Bazetta Schuver, BS, RN, Myra Woolery-Antill, MSN, Ellen Carroll, BSN, and Veronica McKenzie, BSN, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; and Emily Bahne, BSN, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.

Oncology nurses are often in a unique position to assess and evaluate the impact of cancer treatments on psychosocial development of adolescent patients. As patient advocates, oncology nurses can inform patients about support programs, and in collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team, participate in supporting and hosting such programs. This topic discusses an existing American Cancer Society program for adolescents with cancer and provides information on becoming a host institution.

Adolescence is a time of great turmoil. This stage of development is heavily influenced by physcial changes associated with puberty and growth, and according to Erikson the psychosocial conflict of identity verses role confusion. Keenly attuned to the opinions of their peers, they often have distorted views about their appearance and attractiveness. What they see reflected back in the glass is often different than reality. During treatment for cancer, these normal adolesacent concerns are accentuated because of physical changes and disruption in peer relationships. It is important to develop strategies to assist the adolescent with cancer to navigate this state of development.

One such strategy is the “Look Good, Feel Better” program for Teens modeled after the American Cancer Society’s successful “Look Good Feel Better” program for women. It differs from the adult program in that it addresses the unique psychosocial needs of the adolescent with cancer; and in cludes both adolescent males and females. This program provides information on coping with side effects of treatments that affect psychosocial development and physical appearance in a fun and informative manner. This non threatening formum incorporates social activities to encourage adolescents to express their concerns with other peers undergoing treatment and identify stratgies for coping.

Those attending our institution’s Look Good Feel Better for Teens have provided feedback indicating this program is beneficial. Adolescents who have attended this program have a better sense of identity, security and self-satisfaction which enables them to move to the next developmental stage.

Though this content is of special interest to oncology nurses working with pediatric patients, it also provides insight into the young adult cancer patient and discusses the impact of cancer and treatments on both males and females.