[Improvement of the quality of life in children and adolescents after anticancer treatment - a challenge for doctors in XXI century].
Significant improvement in anti-cancer treatment has resulted in an increased number of long-term survivors - about 80% children are now cured. Cancer and its treatment damage the function of different tissues and organs, especially in developing organisms, leading to higher mortality (second neoplasms, cardiotoxicity, pulmotoxicity) or deteriorated quality of life (short statute, infertility, neurocognitive, psychological and social problems). The long-term analysis made in the United States, on a large group (more than 20 000) of cancer survivors indicated that more than 60% of them present at least one chronic health condition. Every year we note in Poland about 1200 new cases of cancer in children and adolescents; in this group 900 to 1000 will be cured - this means a growing problem with their physical and psychosocial health. The knowledge of long-term side-effects of anticancer treatment is necessary for survivors and family members, as well as for general doctors and specialists. Education of lifestyle, prophylaxis, self-control and systematic examination lead to improved overall health and prevent or minimize the long-term effects of anti-cancer treatment.
Krawczuk-Rybak
Maryna
M
Klinika Onkologii Dzieciecej ul. Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Białystok, Poland. rybak@amb.edu.pl.
D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends*; D011788:Quality of Life; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents