Barriers to Care for Childhood Cancer Survivors at Risk for Late Cardiovascular Disease: A Mixed Methods Approach

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of long-term health problems and death in childhood cancer survivors.
• Effective longitudinal survivorship care is crucial to manage late effects like CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers to cardiovascular care for childhood cancer survivors.
• To assess survivor needs and explore challenges in accessing ongoing survivorship services.

Main Methods:

• A cardiovascular risk calculator was used with Passport for Care data.
• Survivors at moderate/high CVD risk completed needs assessment surveys.
• Interviews explored barriers to longitudinal care.

Main Results:

• 71 survivors were high risk and 246 were moderate risk for CVD.
• Key needs included better information delivery and financial support.
• Barriers identified were distance, transportation, finances, and care transitions.

Conclusions:

• Information deficits, socioeconomic factors, and geographic location hinder survivor care.
• Survivors showed openness to telehealth interventions for managing CVD risk.