Care of Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancers

As a cardio-oncology consultant, Kent and London Cardiology’s consultant Dr Suzan Hatipoglu knows that curing cancer is only part of the story — protecting long-term cardiovascular health after cancer treatment is equally important.

Survivorship recommendations from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group highlight an important reality:

Many survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancers remain at lifelong risk of cardiomyopathy after exposure to anthracyclines and chest radiotherapy during early life.

A few points stand out from a cardio-oncology perspective:

• Cardiomyopathy surveillance should start early

• Echocardiography remains the cornerstone for monitoring

• Lifelong follow-up is often necessary for high-risk survivors

• Cardiac assessment before pregnancy is essential in patients previously exposed to cardiotoxic treatments

• And perhaps most importantly: aggressive management of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors can make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes

As cancer survival continues to improve, the population of patients living with potential cardiovascular complications will continue to grow.

This is where cardio-oncology plays a critical role — bridging cardiology and oncology to ensure survivorship is not only longer, but healthier.