Late effects in adult survivors of pediatric cancer: a guide for the primary care physician

Abstract

Because of significant medical advances in the past 50 years, the number of adult survivors of childhood/adolescent cancer has increased dramatically. Unfortunately, more than 60% of these survivors will have at least 1 long-term side effect from treatment. This growing population requires dedicated care by their primary physicians because they have specific risk factors depending on their initial cancer diagnosis and the treatment modalities they received. Internists and family physicians play an integral role in providing appropriate screening, treatment, and counseling to prevent morbidity and mortality in these patients.