Understanding the endocrinopathies associated with the treatment of childhood cancer: part 2

Abstract

This is part 2 of an article exploring the endocrinopathies associated with cancer treatments, a growing area of care. More than 80% of all childhood cancers are treatable and the number of survivors of childhood cancer is increasing, but up to two thirds of these children reportedly present with significant health problems resulting from their treatments and about 25% of survivors have endocrine problems. This article explains how an understanding of oncology and endocrinology enables nurse specialists to educate young people about their past treatment, and its implications for their current and future health. It focuses on the specific endocrine risks to survivors of childhood cancer following treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This is the final article in a series that has illustrated the breadth of work undertaken by nurse specialists in endocrinology and oncology.