PLoS ONE (Jan 2012)

Follow-up programs for childhood cancer survivors in Europe: a questionnaire survey.

  • Stefan Essig,
  • Roderick Skinner,
  • Nicolas X von der Weid,
  • Claudia E Kuehni,
  • Gisela Michel

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0053201
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 12
p. e53201

Abstract

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BackgroundFor many childhood cancer survivors follow-up care is important long after treatment completion. We aimed to describe the availability and characteristics of long-term follow-up programs (LTFU) across Europe, their content and aims, their problems, and to assess opinions on different models of LTFU.Methodology/principal findingsWe asked 179 pediatric oncology institutions in 20 European countries to complete an online survey on LTFU available at their institution. Of 110 respondents (62% response), 66% reported having LTFU for pediatric survivors, 38% for adult survivors of childhood cancer. Availability varied widely across European regions, from 9% of institutions in Northern Europe reporting LTFU for adult survivors to 83% of institution on the British Isles reporting LTFU for pediatric survivors. Pediatric and adult LTFU were usually located in pediatric hospitals and run by pediatric oncologists. Content of follow-up included screening for adverse outcomes and health education. Important problems included lack of time, personnel and funding. Most institutions without LTFU reported that they would like to offer a program (86%).Conclusion/significanceDespite general agreement on the need of follow-up care, there is still a lack of well-organized LTFU for survivors of childhood cancer across Europe.