Drawing on in-depth interviews with nine cancer survivors who experienced amputation during childhood or adolescence, the study highlights both the informational and emotional supports that helped patients prepare for and adjust to surgery.
Elon University’s Cynthia Fair, professor of public health and Watts-Thompson Professor, has co-authored a study with Elon alumna Bria Wurst ’25 and Lori Wiener P’10 ’12, senior associate research professor and director of the psychosocial support and research programs at the National Cancer Institute.
The article, published in “Cancers,” is titled “There are two healing processes in cancer care—There is a physical healing and a mental adaptation process: A pilot study for preparing children and adolescents with osteosarcoma for limb amputation.”
Drawing on in-depth interviews with nine cancer survivors who experienced amputation during childhood or adolescence, the study highlights both the informational and emotional supports that helped patients prepare for and adjust to surgery. Survivors emphasized the value of clear communication, peer mentorship and supportive relationships with providers, while also identifying gaps in pain management resources, mental health care, and family support. This research is among the first to elicit in-depth perspectives from pediatric and adolescent survivors of osteosarcoma who experienced limb amputation.
“Our findings underscore that amputation is not only a physical procedure but also a profound psychological transition,” Fair said. “By listening directly to survivors, we can better guide healthcare teams in preparing patients and their families for both the challenges and the possibilities ahead.”
The findings provide guidance for developing holistic, patient-centered care strategies that integrate psychosocial preparation, peer connection and mental health services throughout the cancer journey.
Wiener is also the parent of Brett Brawerman ’12 and Marisa Brawerman ’10. Before joining the Elon faculty, Fair worked with Wiener at the NIH. The full article is available online.