Pediatric cancer survivors: assessment of late effects

As pediatric cancer treatment technology continues to progress, so does the increasing pool of pediatric cancer survivors. In the past, survival studies were based on the fifth year following the diagnosis. Currently, follow-up care is imperative beyond the first 5 years. Although cure is achieved for many children, late effects from treatment occur in many survivors. As this population continues to increase, so does the need for health care providers to monitor and treat these individuals. Pediatric cancer survivors require specific screening to determine the late effects of treatment. Many treatment consequences can be alleviated through proper assessment and treatment.