(buffalonews.com) – Fewer than half of adult survivors of childhood cancers – who remain at greater risk for chronic illnesses – receive adequate long-term follow-up care, according to National Cancer Institute-supported research have reported by scientists from Roswell Park Cancer Institute in the Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology.
“The vast majority of childhood cancer survivors experience at least one chronic health condition in the years following their cancer diagnosis,” said study first author Dr. Denise Rokitka, assistant professor in the Department of Pediatric Oncology at Roswell Park. “Surveillance for long-term complications allows us to better diagnose and manage chronic health conditions in childhood cancer survivors, and may improve their quality of life. Specialized follow-up care is essential to survivor’s health.”
The study examined follow-up records from 370 adults who have survived childhood cancer. Nine of 10 patients continued to receive follow-up care one to five years after treatment, but the number dropped to 68.5 percent during years six to 10, then declined further to 47.7 during years 11 to 15, and continued to steadily decrease over time.
Previous studies have found that only 17.8 percent of those diagnosed with cancer as a child report receiving “survivor-focused care,” the Buffalo-based hospital said in a news release. That includes discussions about risks related to cancer therapy, screening examinations and strategies for reducing risks. In addition, only 14.6 percent of patients said they received care at a cancer center despite evidence that many primary care physicians lack the knowledge to appropriately address complications among childhood survivors.