Challenges after curative treatment for childhood cancer and long-term follow up of survivors

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2008 Feb;55(1):251-73, xiii. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2007.10.009.

Abstract

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of serious morbidity, premature mortality, and diminished health status. Proactive and anticipatory risk-based health care of survivors and healthy lifestyles can reduce these risks. In this article, the authors first briefly discuss four common problems of survivors: neurocognitive dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, infertility and gonadal dysfunction, and psychosocial problems. Second, the authors discuss the concept of risk-based care, promote the use of recently developed evidence-based guidelines, describe current care in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, and articulate a model for shared survivor care that aims to optimize life long health of survivors and improve two-way communication between the cancer center and the primary care physician.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aftercare*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Risk Factors
  • Survivors*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents