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Q:
What are the problems of post - cancer patients?
A:
Cancer patients in remission & post therapy face both medical
and psychosocial problems. Among the medical problems, the most
common side effects are: -
1)
Second tumors
2)
Short stature
3)
Learning disabilities
4)
Specific organ dysfunction related to type of primary cancer and
specific anticancer therapy.
Psychosocial
problems include issues of school performance, vocational training,
employment opportunity, marriage, reproduction and interfamily
interactions.
It
is very important to know what the most common post- cancer sequelae
are and when intervention is required.
Patients
should follow up with their doctor at least yearly. Evaluation
may include complete blood count, urine analysis, measurement
of height & weight, assessment of pubertal development, measurement
of blood pressure, assessment of thyroid function & other
endocrine evaluation as indicated, monitoring for relapse/second
tumors, fertility counseling and assessment of psychosocial status.
Last updated on 24-06-2002
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