Follow-up care is vital for well-being of childhood cancer survivors

END of treatment doesn't mean end of cancer therapy, after treatment follow up of child's growth and development, mental health, hormonal changes, and change in their emotional behaviour are important, says Dr Anuraag Reddy, Associate Consultant, Paediatric Haematology Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai in an interview with TNIE on 'Life after Childhood Cancer'.

- Dr. Anuraag Reddy Nalla Associate Consultant - Paediatric Haematology Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, 320, Anna Salai

■ What happens after cancer treatment?

After cancer treatment, the child will be on regular follow up. The follow up check ups not only focus on monitoring the recurrence of disease, they also focus on various other aspects. Growth, development, cognition, vision, hearing and hormone health of the child are of paramount importance, as they may be affected due to chemo and radiotherapies. Also, six out of 10 cancer survivors may be affected by various mental health issues like anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorders. The fear of recurrence of disease, especially in adolescents must be dealt with carefully. So, the follow up check ups should be holistic and focus on all the aspects of well-being of the child including school and their peer relationships. All the centres who treat children with cancer have the after completion of therapy clinics which focus on helping these warriors to return to normalcy.

■ How are adult cancers different from childhood cancers?