When is survivorship care plan recommended for childhood cancer?

The plan is a personalised record for the child, parents or carers, and future healthcare professionals. It can list the cancer diagnosis, treatments received, important treatment dates, possible late effects and the specialists responsible for follow-up. It may also cover growth, learning, hearing, fertility, heart or lung health, emotional wellbeing and practical needs, depending on the treatment given. The plan does not replace appointments; it helps everyone understand why particular checks are advised.

Some children need structured follow-up for many years, while others need less frequent review. As the child becomes a teenager or adult, the plan can support a gradual move from paediatric services to adult care and help the young person take ownership of their health information.

Ask the oncology team for a written plan before the end of treatment or at the first survivorship review. Check that it includes the medicines, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or transplant details that apply to your child. Keep a copy with school or university information when appropriate, and share it with the family doctor and any new specialist. Bring questions about development, activity, vaccinations, fertility, emotional support and future pregnancy planning when these are relevant.

Do not wait for a routine survivorship visit if the child develops a new or worsening symptom, has ongoing pain, unusual breathlessness, fainting, repeated headaches, significant changes in learning or mood, or difficulty eating and growing. Contact the oncology or family-care team when a planned review is missed or when a new clinician needs treatment details. Urgent symptoms such as severe breathing difficulty, collapse or sudden weakness require emergency help.

Ask when the plan will be issued, which late effects apply to the treatments received, who coordinates follow-up, how records will transfer to adult care and which changes should be reported between appointments.