J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 126(4): 359-364, 2025

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Feature topic

LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP AND TRANSITION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS

Chronic health problems called “late effects” occur over the long term due to the effects of childhood cancer itself and treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The proportion of these problems increases with age. As the treatment outcomes for childhood cancer improve, the number of childhood cancer survivors who reach adulthood increases, and the importance of long-term follow-up and transition to adult medical care has become recognized. Pediatric oncologists have become more aware of late effects, and specialized facilities such as pediatric cancer center hospitals have begun to work on long-term follow-up and transition. However, due to a shortage of adult physicians with knowledge and experience of the late effects of childhood cancer, the transition to adult medical care is not going smoothly. It is essential for pediatricians and pediatric medical professionals to understand that it is difficult for them to care for pediatric cancer survivors for their entire lives, and to increase the number of adult medical professionals who understand the late effects of pediatric cancer and can treat these patients. Patients also need to understand that various events may occur over the long term even after treatment, and they need to be supported in acquiring age-appropriate health literacy.

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