Maintaining your health is just as important after your last treatment as it was when you were first diagnosed. Novant Health offers a wide range of services that can help bridge the gap from the last treatment to a healthy life.
Many adolescent and young adult cancer survivors feel lost when treatment ends. Survivorship can offer a new set of challenges and questions. Novant Health recognizes that the journey is not over but rather takes on a new focus as survivors embrace life and optimize their health.
Late Effects
Health problems that develop years later as a result of a survivor’s original cancer treatment are known as late effects. These may include:
- Psychosocial concerns
- Dental issues
- Fertility issues
- Growth failure
- Skin problems
- Secondary tumors
- Heart concerns
Presbyterian Blume Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Clinic has established a comprehensive survivorship clinic called HOPES (Helping Oncology Patients Embrace Survivorship) aimed at monitoring and treating late effects. If you were treated outside of Blume Clinic, be sure to ask your oncologist or your primary care provider about any possible late effects resulting from your care plan.
There is life after cancer, and regular follow-up care that monitors for late effects will ensure you reach your greatest health potential.