Long-term follow-up of childhood cancer survivors

Abstract

60-75% of long-term survivors of childhood cancer suffer from at least one chronic health condition (late effect), most commonly due to treatment received. Late effects may be severe, disabling, life-threatening or fatal in 25-40% of survivors, who therefore suffer from higher late (yet still premature) mortality. This chapter describes how long-term follow-up of childhood cancer survivors aims to improve their long-term health by managing existing late effects, using guide-line-based surveillance to enable earlier detection and treatment of important late effects, and provision of important information for survivors about their previous treatment and future health risks, enabling them to optimally self-manage their future health. The importance of transition to age-appropriate adult care is emphasized. The wide variety and clinical characteristics of late effects, which may involve any system, organ or tissue, is also described.