[Long-term effects of childhood cancer in primary care]

Recent publications on the long-term effects of treatment for childhood cancer underline the need for a larger role of primary care in the guidance given to these patients regarding risks and lifestyle. This group is growing and there are a large number of potential long-term risks. Practice guidelines on registration in the electronic patient file are needed. Sometimes active screening is required, sometimes potential risk factors become manifest. The replacement of secondary care (often specialised outpatient clinics) with primary care should be an active process, which is supported by personalised and up-to-date information in the form of a letter from the specialist to the primary care physician. Patients can play an important role in drawing up the primary care follow-up plan.