Lifetime follow-up care after childhood cancer.

Cancers that occur during childhood and adolescence (ages 0 to 19 years) are very responsive to treatment, with a current overall cure rate of better than 80%. However, approximately 75% of childhood cancer survivors develop late effects, including problems with growth and development, vital organ function, reproduction, and psychological health, as well as serious complications of secondary neoplasms and recurrence. The primary physician should continue some level of involvement during all phases of patient care and pay special attention to possible late effects during the follow-up phase.