Japanese childhood cancer survivors' readiness for care as adults: a cross-sectional survey using the Transition Scales

Background Childhood cancer survivors' (CCSs') readiness for adult care has not been evaluated in Japan. We conducted a survey to examine transition barriers and facilitators in CCSs and compared the results with those of CCSs in Canada. Methods Participants were selected from the Heart Link mutual-aid health insurance membership directory and the Millefeuille Childhood Cancer Frontiers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey (self-report questionnaire) via mail, using the Transition Scales. Results In total, 268 questionnaires were collected by January 2016 (response rate, 42.5%). After confirming the reliability and validity of the Transition Scales, we analyzed 242 questionnaires. After excluding questionnaires for CCSs younger than 15 or older than 26 years, we compared scales scores between Japanese and Canadian CCSs. Relative to that of Japanese CCSs, Canadian CCSs showed greater cancer-related worry for 4 items (P < .001) and preference for self-management in 3 items (P < .001). Japanese CCSs showed greater preference for self-management, relative to that of Canadian CCSs, in 5 items (P < .001). In the expectation scale, Japanese CCSs showed lower levels of expectation concerning adult care in 6 of 12 items (P < .001). Relative to that of Canadian CCSs, a significantly higher number of Japanese CCSs preferred to visit the same doctor for long-term care as adults (P < .001). Conclusions The results confirmed the reliability and validity of the Transition Scales and showed that Japanese CCSs expressed fewer cancer concerns, but a higher number of Japanese CCSs preferred to visit the same doctor for long-term care as adults.