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Long Term Follow-Up Program

Pediatric Survivorship

Much of what we know about survivorship stems from advances made in pediatric oncology. By following childhood survivors closely as part of a national consortium of pediatric cancer research institutions, doctors at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have learned how to fine tune treatment to prevent many types of unanticipated long-term effects. But not every long-term effect can be prevented.

To help children cope with the long-range impact of treatment, the Cancer Center offers pediatric survivorship care in its Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic. Families are referred to the Long-term Follow-up Clinic three to five years after cancer treatment ends. Visit to our clinic are imporant because they can ferret out problems that may not be obvious.

Beyond possible medical complications, clinic staff members help educate families about the psycho-social impacts of cancer. Another important focus is on academics. Academics are a focal point, particularly if chemotherapy was administered directly into the spinal fluid or if cranial radiation was part of a child's treatment. School-age children are evaluated to determine whether a child is having problems with cognitive functioning as a result of treatment.

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