Over 80% of children diagnosed with cancer will be cured, joining the growing population of long-term childhood cancer survivors. Additionally, over 70% of long-term childhood cancer survivors have a chronic condition as a consequence of the therapy they received. Survive & Thrive—The Survivorship Program at the Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute was created to provide support and follow up care for childhood cancer survivors.
Late Side Effects of Cancer in Children
Pediatric cancer survivors may have special health needs as a result of late side effects of their cancer diagnosis and/or treatment, which requires lifelong monitoring. Potential late effects may include:
Survive & Thrive is designed to help pediatric cancer survivors optimize their health and quality of life.
Treatments and Procedures
- Audiogram
- Hormone Level Test
- Metabolic Panel Test
- Skin Screening
Treatments and Procedures
A Team Approach to Care
The program offers a comprehensive care team including:
Our team also coordinates the testing that follows the comprehensive visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute provide follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors?
Our childhood cancer survivors are seen annually in a comprehensive clinic lead by a pediatric oncology healthcare provider (MD/NP). Our school coordinator, social worker, and registered dietitian are also available on-site at each clinic. Medical specialists are available on an as-needed basis by referral.
What is the age cut-off for providing follow-up care to childhood cancer survivors?
Our comprehensive follow-up clinic sees patients up until their 22nd birthday. Special permission may be obtained for those childhood cancer survivors who are over 22 years of age. Please contact the clinic for more information.
If the Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute does not provide life-long follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors, where is the patient referred to when the age limitation is reached?
If we are unable to see a childhood cancer survivor due to the age limitation, we will refer to an adult oncologist or adult survivorship program.
Does the Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute offer late effects consultations to survivors who were not treated at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital?
Absolutely. Any pediatric cancer survivor can be seen in our clinic. In addition to scheduling your appointment, please provide our team with a referral letter from your health care provider, medical records, and insurance information. Patients may self-refer to our program.
What are the eligibility criteria for survivors entering the program?
The survivor must be at least two years off therapy. Neuro-Oncology patients are also eligible.
How often is your long-term follow-up clinic scheduled?
Our long-term follow-up clinic is scheduled every other Wednesday in the afternoons. Please call 786-624-4629 to schedule your appointment.
What care team individuals make up the team?
The survivorship program at the Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute is comprised of a medical director, nurse practitioner, program coordinator, school coordinator, social worker, registered dietitian and psychologist.