Transition of Childhood Cancer Survivors into Adult Health Care: A Perspective from Adult Care

The number of long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) has been increasing, and the importance of transitioning from pediatric to adult care has been advocated. This study aimed to describe the health problems of adult CCSs from adult-care perspectives.

We conducted a chart review of adult CCSs aged ≥18 years who visited a transition clinic in adult care between June 2019 and March 2024.

The study included 25 CCSs, with a median follow-up period of 14 months. The median number of medical departments requiring regular clinic visits was three (range 1-7). Among the participants, 15 (60%) had at least one severe health problem (grade 3 or higher). Notably, 45% (5 of 11) of participants with cardiovascular disease and 64% (9 of 14) of those with bone mineral density (BMD) deficiency were diagnosed after transition. During the follow-up period, 13 CCSs were hospitalized in the adult ward. Additionally, 52% (13 of 25) of the CCSs requested psychosocial intervention. Five CCSs who had health problems such as pituitary insufficiency, hearing loss, and visual impairment needed ongoing support from social workers.

Adult CCSs present with multiple health problems and risks. Because the health care system is different between adult care and pediatric care, comprehensive re-evaluation of health problems and care optimization from the adult-care perspective is important for the successful transition of CCSs to adult care.