This paper elaborates perspectives on survivorship in paediatric oncology, pointing out the following key elements: being cured does not always mean “being well.”
Up to 75% of survivors deal with late effects. Keeping the balance between coping and living life to the fullest can be a life-long challenge. There is a worldwide lack of structure for psychosocial and medical follow-up care. They need to be developed. Survivors need comprehensive and age-appropriate information about the risks they can expect due to their cancer and treatments, what to do about their late effects, and where to turn to.
More research must be carried out to reduce late-effects and optimize long-term care.
