Alexithymia in long-term survivors of childhood cancer

Objective: To investigate the incidence of alexithymia (difficulties in describing or recognizing one's own emotions, a limited fantasy life, and general constriction in the affective life) in a group of childhood cancer survivors and to explore medical determinants which predict alexithymia. Methods: Five years after completing therapy, 72 participants were asked to complete the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ). Results: Male cancer survivors scored significantly lower on overall alexithymia compared to healthy males. They also showed higher ability to fantasize, a higher emotional arousal, and were better able to verbalize their emotional reactions. The female survivors did not show differences compared to the normal female population. No medical determinant was associated with alexithymia. Conclusions: Stress due to childhood cancer does not affect the alexithymia scores of females. However, male cancer survivors score less alexithymic than age matched controls.