SPECIAL ISSUE: THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL CANCER ACT OF 1971 - COMMENTARY - CURE IS NOT ENOUGH – STILL VERY RELEVANT FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS

Abstract

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk for developing complications of the treatment and the disease both early and later in life. These complications may be aggravated with increasing age of the survivor. Adequate surveillance according to guidelines for follow-up is essential for optimal care of CCS both as children and as adults. Involving and educating the survivors is essential to increase awareness and to provide them with the necessary knowledge to manage their own health. Health care authorities and society as a whole has a responsibility to make sure such a follow-up is both provided and sustained.

Keywords

• childhood cancer survivors
• late complications
• follow-up
• surveillance
• intervention
• guidelines
• survivorship passport