Challenges facing survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer

Abstract

The last 40 years have seen major changes in the treatment of childhood and adolescent cancers. From a nearly uniform fatal outcome to an expectant 80% probability of cure, the number of long-term survivors has dramatically increased. During the last 20 years the significant consequences of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have become apparent. Permanent complications as a result of the tumour itself and initial surgery are aggravated by long-term effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The assumption that cancer cure leads to the end of medical surveillance is being overturned as more research regarding long-term and late effects is reported. The effect on psychosocial development o..