Pediatric Survivorship Program

The importance of long-term care for childhood cancer and transplant survivors

Cancer and transplant treatment can have a significant impact on a child's life for years to come. Some side effects show up months or years after treatment ends, called late effects. These can affect many aspects of a person's physical health and their emotional and social well-being. Research shows survivorship programs can help identify and address these challenges and improve long-term outcomes for survivors.

Late effects of cancer or transplant treatment can include:

• Chronic pain

• Diabetes

• Fertility problems

• Growth or developmental delays

• Heart, lung, kidney or liver problems

• Other types of cancer (later in life)

• Problems with learning and memory

• Weight gain

Mental and emotional challenges after treatment are also common, such as:

• Body image and self-esteem issues

• Depression and anxiety

• Difficulty returning to school or work

• Fear that cancer will come back

• Increased irritability or mood changes

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Social isolation or difficulty forming relationships

• Substance use disorder

Our approach to survivorship care

Our goal is to help you smoothly transition from treatment to ongoing care with your primary care provider and any specialists you need. During your appointment, you meet with each member of our team so we can review your treatment history and create a personalized survivorship care plan.

We upload your treatment summary and screening recommendations to Passport for Care, the Children's Oncology Group online survivorship portal. The Children's Oncology Group is a leading pediatric cancer research organization. This gives you easy access to an electronic medical record that can be shared with any of your future health care providers.

Your survivorship consultation includes:

• Coordination of recommended testing, such as blood work and heart, hearing, lung and bone health evaluations

• Education and counseling about the late effects of cancer, cancer treatment and transplantation

• Guidance on exercise, nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits

• Individualized recommendations for screening and ongoing surveillance

• Referrals to specialists, if needed

Survivors with complex needs and those with the highest risk of long-term complications may continue receiving follow-up care from our team.