More than 80% of children treated for cancer survive more than five years after diagnosis resulting in a prolonged duration of survivorship. Treatment in the context of growth and development means that there are significant additional complexities to the degree and nature of the life-long impacts that survivors suffer. The peak period for cancer incidence in childhood is in the pre-school and primary school years. In this context parents and carers often have significant psychological morbidity that influences the survivorship care of their children.
This presentation will review the models of care for survivors of paediatric cancer therapy throughout their lives including the transition between paediatric and adult sectors. It will focus on the Australian context, while drawing on international evidence and practice, and pose questions for clinicians and policymakers alike.