Overview
The chances of surviving childhood cancer are better than ever before. While most survivors enjoy good health after their cure, some develop "late effects," which are chronic medical conditions or emotional difficulties that appear years after treatment.
Cleveland Clinic Children's Childhood and Young Adult Cancer Survivor's Clinic is a long-term follow-up clinic for children and adults who have reached the point of five years from their diagnosis of pediatric cancer and have been off therapy for at least three years. We also work with patients who have been treated for non-cancerous diseases with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or stem cell transplant.
Our specially trained team works with many different subspecialties to provide individualized care tailored specifically for childhood cancer survivors. In addition, we work with our patients' primary care physicians to make them aware of any issues that may need close monitoring.
Counseling and educating childhood cancer patients who are in the process of undergoing cancer therapy, as well as their families, about "late effects" and the importance of post-therapy follow-up care are important aspects of our Clinic. We help ensure our patients' success by identifying and managing their medical conditions and emotional needs. Our goal is to help childhood cancer survivors move forward confidently with their lives by arming them with the information they need to preserve their health.
Who We Treat
The Childhood & Young Adult Cancer Survivor's Clinic educates cancer patients, who have received therapies, as well as their families, about late effects, and the importance of post-therapy follow-up care. In addition, we also work with those who have been treated for non-cancer diseases with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or stem cell transplant.
We help ensure survivor success by identifying and managing late effects in survivors. The professionals within the clinic help patients move forward confidently with their lives, armed with the information they need to preserve their health.
What We Look For
Late effects can be a result of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and blood and marrow or stem cell transplants. The effects vary depending upon the type of cancer or noncancerous disease, the course of treatment and quite possibly the age of the child during treatment, among other things. Some examples of late effects are:
- Secondary cancers
- Infertility
- Early menopause
- Osteopetrosis
- Heart damage, including premature coronary artery disease
- Neuropsychological effects, such as learning disabilities
- Psychosocial issues like decreased self-esteem and stress
- Pulmonary toxicity
- Hormonal and growth disorders
- Genitourinary problems
- Gastrointestinal effects
Our Team
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Team
- Seth Rotz, MD - Medical Director
- Julie Pettee, CNP
- Jessica Ference, RN - Care Coordinator
Our Childhood and Young Adult Cancer Survivor's Clinic is a unique partnership with sub-specialties in both pediatrics and adults, who evaluate each patient based on needs and late effects of treatments.
Appointments
If you or your child is a survivor of childhood cancer, treated anywhere, and you have any questions or would like to make a virtual or in-person appointment, please contact Jessica Ference at 216.444.1216 or hylkemj@ccf.org.
