Advances in the treatment of childhood cancer have resulted
in five-year survival rates above 80%. However, childhood
cancer survivors may experience a wide variety of late effects
stemming from their malignancy and the subsequent therapy.
The treatment-related late effects include second malignancies,
and endocrine, pulmonary, cardiac, and psychosocial
problems. It is estimated that a significant portion of survivors
of childhood cancer are not followed regularly in a center familiar
with the late effects of their specific therapy. Therefore,
it is important for healthcare professionals in any setting to
have an understanding of these possible late effects and encourage
the survivors to seek appropriate follow-up. Nurses
play an important role in the implementation and delivery of
treatment and survivorship care plans.
Keywords: Nurse; childhood cancer survivors; follow-up
