"Surviving is important.
Thriving is elegant" -Maya Angelou
Children's Mercy
Hospitals and Clinics Section of Oncology has created the Survive
& Thrive Program to provide specialized services for childhood
cancer survivors. The program offers comprehensive medical and
emotional care along with education on the late effects of
childhood cancer therapy, necessary recommendations for ongoing
health care follow-up and healthy lifestyle choices.
What are Late Effects?
Late effects are health issues that can
occur any time after treatment for childhood cancer. Many late
effects occur between two to five years after completion of therapy
but other late effects may not show up for many years after the
treatment. The types of late effects that can occur are related to
the age of the patient when diagnosed, the type of cancer,
treatment the patient received, and family history.
Common late effects:
Learning or memory issues
Emotional concerns such as
depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety
Heart or lung problems
Growth failure, hypothyroidism,
infertility
Secondary cancers
Why is continued follow up for late effects important?
Many childhood cancer
survivors and their families are not aware of the potential late
effects that may occur many years after
treatment.
The earlier the problem is
identified the sooner treatment can be started.
The Survive & Thrive
clinic can help provide information about your child's healthcare
needs to their primary care doctor, ensuring that the necessary
screening will continue.
Who is eligible to attend the Survive & Thrive
Clinic?
Patients who may take part in the clinic:
- Diagnosed with cancer at least 5 years ago
- Have been off therapy for at least 2 years
- Are currently in remission
