Survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer: life-long risks and responsibilities

Nat Rev Cancer. 2014 Jan;14(1):61-70. doi: 10.1038/nrc3634. Epub 2013 Dec 5.

Abstract

Survival rates for most paediatric cancers have improved at a remarkable pace over the past four decades. In developed countries, cure is now the probable outcome for most children and adolescents who are diagnosed with cancer: their 5-year survival rate approaches 80%. However, the vast majority of these cancer survivors will have at least one chronic health condition by 40 years of age. The burden of responsibility to understand the long-term morbidity and mortality that is associated with currently successful treatments must be borne by many, including the research and health care communities, survivor advocacy groups, and governmental and policy-making entities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / mortality
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology
  • Risk
  • Survival Rate
  • Survivors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents