What to expect from a survivorship care plan after childhood cancer

The plan summarises the cancer diagnosis and treatments received, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a stem cell transplant. It may identify organs or body systems that need monitoring because treatment can affect health later, including hearing, heart health, growth, fertility, learning, mood or bone health. The exact checks depend on age at treatment, treatment exposures and current health.

It normally names the clinicians involved, the timing of reviews and tests, and the symptoms that should be reported. A copy can help the survivor, family and future healthcare professionals understand what care is needed.

Take the plan to routine appointments and keep it with other medical records. Ask which team coordinates follow-up and where to go if a new concern appears between visits. Discuss vaccinations, physical activity, sleep, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, school or work support, and reproductive health when relevant. If the survivor is becoming independent, arrange a clear handover from paediatric services to adult care.

Contact the care team promptly for new or worsening symptoms listed in the plan, unexplained weight change, persistent pain, breathing difficulty, fainting, unusual bleeding, severe fatigue, or major changes in mood or concentration. Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing trouble, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding or sudden confusion. The plan supports monitoring; it does not replace assessment of a new problem.

Ask: Which late effects are most relevant after this treatment? Which tests are due, and who arranges them? What symptoms need a same-day call? How should records be shared with a new doctor, school or workplace? Who can help with fertility, emotional health, education or transition to adult care?