skip to main navigation skip to main content

Why are LTF clinics important?

Why are LTF clinics important?



Many children and young people who have completed cancer treatment do not encounter health care problems. Even with a cure however, cancer itself and the treatments used can sometimes cause long-term problems. These long-term problems are often referred to as 'late-effects'. Some of these problems may not become apparent until years after treatment is completed.

The drugs and treatments used to get rid of cancer cells can be powerful. When the drugs are destroying cancer cells they can also damage some healthy cells.

Most problems result from chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They depend on four things:

  • the type of treatment received
  • the site of the treatment
  • the dose of the treatment
  • the person's age during treatment

These may include the following complications:

  • endocrine effects (impaired growth, thyroid problems, infertility)
  • cardiopulmonary effects (heart abnormalities, reduced lung function)
  • musculoskeletal effects (scoliosis, weak bones, dental problems)
  • liver or kidney problems
  • neuro-cognitive effects (learning difficulties, memory loss)
  • psychological effects (depression, post-traumatic stress)

Coming to clinic or having regular checks with a community GP enables the team to monitor the child or young person’s health and development. This enables the earlier detection and management of these issues to minimise their impact on physical and emotional well-being. The program also provides information and resources to help children and young people remain as healthy as possible. It is also important for all children and young people who have received treatment for cancer to have complete and accurate information about the treatment they received and to understand how this might affect them in the future.
back to top