Background
With modern cancer therapy featuring enrollment on clinical trials, approximately 80 percent of children diagnosed with cancer will be cured. Nevertheless, this excellent outcome may present long-term challenges to the patient, his family, care team, and society at large.
Late effects of therapy are predictable complications that occur or persist at least five years from the end of treatment. These may increase in number and severity and last for life. It is important to understand the risks of late effects so that they can be avoided or reduced while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Four basic categories of medical late effects may be anticipated. These are problems with growth and development; vital organ function; hormonal or endocrine issues; and second and subsequent malignancies. Psychosocial late effects reflect anxiety, depression, insurability, education, employment, substance abuse, and reduction in overall quality of life.
Invitation
Congratulations to you on becoming a cancer survivor. We realize that your cancer journey has been both challenging and personal. As you move beyond treatment, we want to empower you in ways that are uniquely suited to your needs.
Cancer can be difficult to understand. Our goal is to help you grasp important facts and recommendations to improve health. Once you approach the end of therapy, information from your pediatric oncology center will be sent to generate a Passport for Care. This is an online resource www.passportforcare.org that will explain your diagnosis, treatment, and expected short- and long- term complications. Personalized follow up guidelines will be reviewed with you according to Children's Oncology Group, www.childrensoncologygroup.org.
If you are still receiving therapy, Dr. Patti will work with your treating team to manage worrisome symptoms, discuss required observations or tests, and address other concerns to improve your experience. Our recommendations will be shared with your providers.
Currently, our practice sees survivors from Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), and West Virginia (WV). Individuals of any age are welcome as they were treated for pediatric malignancy.
Scheduling
If you are a childhood cancer survivor in FL, GA, or WV, please call 404-986-8756 or complete our online contact form.
We look forward to serving you. Please let us know if you have questions about topics that will make the visit more meaningful for you.