Cancer survivorship for the PCP

The number of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) in the United States exceeds 500,000 and continues to rise¹. While recurrence risk diminishes over time, the prevalence of late effects from cancer treatment increases with age and affects over 60% of survivors^2-3. Primary care providers (PCPs) are ideally positioned to manage the long-term health needs of CCS, yet many feel ill-equipped due to a lack of concise guidelines^4-5. This article provides a comprehensive overview for PCPs on managing late effects in CCS. Key areas of focus include general health maintenance, psychological and neurocognitive care, immune function and vaccinations, as well as monitoring for endocrine, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and secondary malignancies. Emphasis is placed on regular screenings and lifestyle modifications. We advocate for proactive PCP involvement in the surveillance and management of late effects associated with childhood cancer treatment.