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Learn more about Late Effects

In the UK more than 80% of children diagnosed with cancer survive at least five years, and the majority of survivors are cured. However cancer patients, of all ages, can often suffer from Late Effects.

What are Late Effects?

Late Effects are long-term, serious reactions from the treatment or therapy they have taken to combat cancer. These effects do not always show up immediately and they are often only apparent years later with no obvious warning signs. They can be both psychological and physical and relate to specific dosage and type of treatment, the effects are different for each person regardless of the type and length of treatment they have had.
  • 2 in 3 childhood cancer survivors will experience long term side effects, also known as ‘late effects’ because of their cancer, or their cancer treatment.
Examples of Late Effects include heart failure, decreased mobility, fertility problems, deafness, dental problems and growth issues. Whilst they cannot always be cured there is support available to make them manageable and regular check-ups for years later to monitor the patients’ progress and signs of recurring cancer and long term side effects long after treatment has ended.
Copy of Late effect slider cards for hub page (2)
Copy of Late effect slider cards for hub page (1)
Copy of Late effect slider cards for hub page

Ellen's life after cancer story

“I relapsed when I was 12, for me that was the hardest part because I knew what was coming. I was then put on treatment and had a massive stroke”. Ellen was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia when she was nine years old.  Now, some 17 years later, she reflects on the Late Effects including a stroke and heart failure, which happened 11 years after diagnosis. Here Ellen talks about what she has been through and her life now after having survived childhood cancer. Share Ellen’s video on your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn pages and help raise more awareness of childhood cancer and Late Effects. Read Ellen’s story

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What causes Late Effects?

Late effects are usually due to the treatment given for the cancer, for example side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Sometimes they may be due to damage caused by the cancer, for example by brain tumours.

Here are some examples of what may cause late effects to develop:

  • The type of cancer
  • The location of the cancer in the body
  • The area of the body treated
  • The type and dose of treatment
For more information about Late Effects of cancer treatment, visit CCLG website.

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Research and Late Effects

Mike Hawkins man wearing blue and white stripped shirt smiling at camera

The research into late effects in children who beat cancer

People who survive cancer during childhood and adolescence are at risk of suffering a serious health condition in later life. We caught up with Professor Mike Hawkins, a leading expert in health risks research in childhood cancer, to talk about his research.

Prof. Mike Hawkins explains
Prof. Mike Hawkins explains
Rod Skinner man looking at camera with the marina behind him

Q&A on ‘late effects’ with Professor Rod Skinner

Find out what ‘late effects’ actually are for children and young people who have survived cancer in this Q&A with Professor Rod Skinner.

Prof. Rod Skinner explains more
Prof. Rod Skinner explains more
Asian family at zippos smiling at camera

Read first-hand accounts from families affected by childhood cancer.

It’s hard to imagine what it must feel like being told your child has cancer. This is the sad reality for 4,500 families in the UK every single year. Hear from some of these families as they deal with the devastating impacts of childhood cancer.

Find out more
Find out more