Q: What are the problems of post - cancer patients?

A: Cancer patients in remission & post therapy face both medical and psychosocial problems. Among the medical problems, the most common side effects are :-

• Second malignant neoplasm
  
  
• Short stature
  
  
• Learning disabilities
  
  
• Specific organ dysfunction related to type of primary cancer and specific anticancer therapy.
  

Psychosocial problems include issues of school performance, vocational training, employment opportunity, marriage, reproduction and intrafamily interactions.

Q: How do you follow up such patients?

A: It is very important to know what the most common post-cancer sequelae are and when intervention is required. At least a yearly evaluation includes complete blood count and urine analysis.

The following are recommended:

• Measurement of height & weight and maintaining growth charts.
  
  
• Assessment of pubertal development & fertility counseling
  
  
• Measurement of blood pressure
  
  
• Cardiac monitoring.
  
  
• Assessment of thyroid function & other endocrine evaluation as indicated.
  
  
• Monitoring for relapse/second malignancies
  
  
• Assessment of psychosocial status
  
  

Last created on 13-07-2001
Last updated on 01-07-2006