Introduction

This is a program about the possible late side effects of treatment for childhood cancer. Late effects are not due to the cancer; they are caused by the chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery used in the treatment of cancer. While some treatments have no late effects, others do. Many of these are mild and can be easily treated. Others, including rare second cancers, are serious, but may still be cured or managed. In this program, we identify each known late effect of cancer treatment. We also tell you what might make a late effect more likely. For example, the total dose of a drug may be more important than simply getting the drug. Side effects for some drugs or radiation treatments may be more common in one sex. Some depend on how old you were when you were treated. We also recommend follow-up exams and tests that you should have so that if you do develop the late effect, it would be found at an early stage. Finally, we tell you what would be done if you did develop the side effect.

We believe that you should be aware of the possible late effects of cancer treatment so that you can have appropriate screening and can recognize and report any symptoms to your healthcare provider. You can use this program as a reference, whenever you have a question or concern. You should see a healthcare specialist who knows the effects of cancer treatments once a year. Knowing your risk for late effects can also help you make lifestyle choices. For example, smoking can increase the risk of some late effects.

The program is organized by specific drug names and radiation treatment to specific body parts. You can click on the drug name(s) or site of the radiation to learn about the possible side effects. Surgery and transfusions are covered briefly in their own sections.