February, 2001

by Mary J. Shomon

Only half of all survivors of childhood cancers are receiving regular followup from a physician, says a new study, which was done by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

According to the scientists, about 69 percent of the adult survivors had at least one late effect from cancer treatment; 30 percent had late effects that were mild to severe. The study participants have found that childhood cancer treatment also can create later side effects, which include "bone and muscle abnormalities; inefficient heart function; hepatitis C; low functioning thyroid gland; and second cancers, (such as radiation-related breast cancer).

Source: "After The Cancer Experience" Study, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center