Your care doesn’t stop after you beat cancer. More than half of childhood cancer survivors develop at least one delayed side effect or complication from the treatment or the cancer itself. Our team helps reduce or cure these late effects through regular screenings, individualized care, and access to the most current information and research.
Just as the treatment of childhood cancer requires a very specialized approach, so does the follow-up and monitoring of late effects, which can be subtle and difficult to diagnose.
Akron Children's's team of pediatric oncologists, social workers, psychologists, audiologists, physical therapists, nutritionists, geneticists and other medical specialists are specially trained to help detect, prevent and treat any late effects. We care for any childhood cancer survivor who has been off treatment for 2 years, up to age 25.
We also help survivors transition to adulthood and serve as a resource for their primary care doctor.
Late effects typically vary based on the type of cancer, the treatments used, the age of the child at the time of diagnosis, and how long it has been since the cancer survivor completed treatment. Common late effects include:
- Learning difficulties
- Abnormal bone growth; growth disorders
- Thyroid problems
- Hearing loss
- Vision problems
- Dental problems
- Lung, liver or kidney problems
- Heart problems
- Fertility issues
- Increased risk of future cancers
These late effects can often be prevented, controlled or improved if anticipated and detected early. Our team will help you identify and address these effects, provide individualized information about the treatment used to save your life, and educate you on survivor resources and lifestyle recommendations to help you lead a healthy and long life after cancer.
We’ll also assist you with your unique needs and concerns such as school, job and insurance issues and provide physical and emotional support.
