Endocrine Clinic for Cancer Survivors

Recovery rates from childhood cancer have significantly improved in recent decades. However, the population that recovers may experience a higher rate of complications. These complications can arise from the disease itself or the treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. The most common complications are related to the endocrine system, such as growth disorders, thyroid dysfunction, early or late puberty, obesity, and decreased bone density. It's important to remember that some of these disorders, especially those secondary to radiation, may appear years after treatment ends. This makes regular long-term follow-up necessary. 

Follow-up at the convalescent clinic happens once treatments are completed, with the exception of patients with brain tumors who are at particularly high risk and are referred near the time of diagnosis. 

When you come to our clinic, we usually schedule it alongside a visit to the hemato-oncology clinic. This helps make it more convenient for you and your family and minimises the number of hospital visits. It also allows us to share information and bring other therapists into the discussion.

The diagnostic process includes tracking growth indicators like height and weight, as well as blood tests. The recommended frequency of visits is typically 1-4 times per year, depending on the findings and the level of risk for potential future disorders. 

Our clinic team actively engages in multi-center European studies on long-term complications, and contributes to a pan-European project focused on establishing an information base and treatment recommendations for patients and their families (Survivorship passport).