Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program

The Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program aims to provide a full range of follow-up care designed to meet the unique health care needs of each survivor. The goal of long-term follow-up care is to help survivors stay as healthy as possible by preventing and detecting possible problems that can happen after cancer treatment is completed. Comprehensive care and long-term follow-up for cancer survivors and their families is provided by pediatric oncologists, psychologists, social workers, and nurse coordinators. Survivors and their families may be offered enrollment on clinical trials organized through the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) so that we can continue to learn about health problems that affect cancer survivors.

Our own local studies initiated by Dr. Greg Aune at the Greehey Childhood Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI) examine cardiac late effects and are enrolling eligible patients. Referrals can also be made to subspecialty clinics such as pulmonology, ophthalmology, and cardiology, depending upon each individual’s needs. The survivorship program allows patients to maintain regular contact with health care providers who understand cancer and its treatment, have immediate access to information related to cancer survival, learn about prevention and early detection of possible late effects, and address issues that can arise as the survivor enters adolescence or adulthood. Transition support and services are also available to assist patients in the transition from pediatric care to adult health care services. Social and community events are scheduled throughout the year to allow patients and families to interact with other childhood cancer survivors in a fun and enjoyable environment.  As the only comprehensive program that provides follow-up care to South Texas childhood cancer survivors, our goal is to use the most current scientific findings and surveillance recommendations to support our families many years after cancer therapy has been completed.