Survivors of childhood cancer.
Treatment of childhood cancer aims to cure with minimum risk to the patient's subsequent health. Monitoring the long-term effects of treatment on children and young adults is now an essential part of the continued care of survivors. Late effects include: impact on growth, development and intellectual function; organ system impairment; the development of second malignancies; and psychosocial problems. These can adversely affect long-term survival and the quality of life. In the UK, models of long-term follow up for survivors of childhood cancer vary from centre to centre but nurses have a significant role to play. Combining the nurse specialist role with that of the advanced practitioner ensures that the goals of improving the quality of nursing care to the survivors of childhood cancer are achieved and maximises the nursing contribution to their follow up. With the number of childhood cancer survivors increasing, providing holistic, health promotional care, tailored to the specific needs of survivors will be crucial for their future.
Bradwell
Moira
M
Oncology/Haematology Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects; D017741:Survivors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents