Around half of children diagnosed with cancer are less than 5 years old which means you may not remember much about your experience or have little information now that you are an adult. You may have many questions about your diagnosis, how it was treated and how your future life may be affected. This is why follow-up care is important for all those who had cancer as a child or teenager.
Nowadays, children and teenagers who have completed cancer treatment are given an end of treatment summary which details the type of cancer they had and the treatment they received so they have a full record. This is important because approximately two out of three childhood cancer survivors will have a long-term side effect or 'late effect' related to their treatment. For many, these will be minor, but for some they may be more severe and can affect the body in many ways.
It is recommended you attend the long-term follow-up clinic where you received your treatment. This allows specialists to monitor you so that any late effects can be detected and managed.
Find out more about follow-up care and long-term side effects
Where do you go for more information about your past medical history?
The hospital where you received cancer treatment as a child will still be able to access your medical records. This will show the type of cancer you had, the age when you were treated, and what treatment you received. From this information, doctors will be able to make a clinical judgement as to what, if any, late effects might occur and how these can be treated.
If you have any questions regarding your previous cancer or late effects, please contact the Late Effects service within the paediatric oncology department at the hospital where you were treated who will be able to help you and answer your questions.
