After a child goes through radiation and chemotherapy for childhood cancer, they may experience long-term effects. These may manifest immediately after treatment or after several years. This guide breaks down some of the most common late effects and how to mitigate them. 

Your Guide to Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Treatment

1. Cognitive 

A child’s brain cells grow rapidly, which makes them particularly sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy. Cognitive impairments, such as memory loss and poor hand-eye coordination, are common in kids who receive radiation or chemo for cancers that affect the brain or spinal column.

To prevent this, some families ask their doctors whether it’s safe to postpone more aggressive treatments until their children reach the age of three. 

2. Emotional & Behavioral

Children who spend many years in cancer treatment may develop emotional and behavioral issues. Depression, anxiety, and disciplinary problems in school often stem from radiation and chemo damage to the brain, as well as the stress of managing the disease.

Set up regular appointments with a psychologist or school counselor to help your little one process difficult emotions before, during, and after treatment.

3. Vision

Radiation therapy may damage the retina. Chemo drugs also contain ingredients that can cause glaucoma, double vision, and blurry eyesight.

Make appointments with an ophthalmologist to monitor your child’s vision changes. They may need eyeglasses and contacts, or laser surgery if cataracts develop.

4. Cardiovascular

Anthracycline, a type of chemo drug, and total body radiation can damage the muscles, valves, and blood vessels in the heart, altering its rhythm.

Your doctor may advise you to schedule routine electrocardiograms (EKGs) and echocardiograms to check for changes in the heart. In the years following treatment, help your child decrease their risk of heart disease by exercising and avoiding smoking.

When you need assistance and support following childhood cancer treatment in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, get in touch with Leaps of Love, Inc. This social services organization in Highland, IL, is committed to creating a welcoming community for families affected by this condition. They offer retreats to help children undergoing treatment and those in remission to come together. Call (618) 410-7212 to register for programs, or visit their website to learn more about their events.