In the past 40 years, medicine has made major advancements in the fight
against pediatric cancer. A child diagnosed with cancer in 1970 had only
a 10 percent chance of survival, whereas children diagnosed today have
a nearly 80 percent chance. But for the more than 40,000 children who
undergo treatment each year, their struggle does not end when their disease
is eradicated.
The Treatment After Cancer and Late Effects Clinic (TACLE) is the only
Survivorship Clinic dedicated to taking care of pediatric cancer survivors
in the Gulf South region. Patients are eligible to be seen in the TACLE
clinic if they are at least two years from completion of therapy for cancer
or five years from diagnosis. Families can self-refer if they were not
treated at Manning Family Children’s.
Three out of five who survive pediatric cancer suffer late-developing side
effects as a result of their disease, its treatment, or both, which may
include long-term medical, psychosocial and/or neurocognitive problems.
To help the growing number of children in the Gulf South who are beating
cancer yet facing potential treatment-related problems, Manning Family
Children's opened a Treatment After Cancer and Late Effects Center.
Eligibility: Patients who are at least two years from completion of therapy for cancer
or five years from diagnosis. Families can self-refer if they were not
treated at Manning Family Children’s.
Conditions we treat
The center offers a comprehensive follow-up program to help childhood cancer
survivors stay well. Through case-specific diagnostic tests and evaluations,
Manning Family Children's healthcare professionals are able to help patient
families identify, understand, prevent and treat many of the maladies
cancer survivors endure, including:
Heart problems, including an increased risk of heart arrhythmias
Blood vessel problems, including an increased risk of stroke or clots
Lung problems, which can cause difficulty breathing
Liver problems
Kidney problems
Dental problems
Glandular problems such as thyroid problems
Bone problems, such as bone thinning (osteoporosis) and joint pain
Short stature, caused by slow bone growth or growth hormone deficiency
Obesity
Reproductive health problems and infertility
Memory problems and learning disabilities
Psychological problems
Vision loss
Hearing loss
Increased risk of other types of cancers
Chronic pain
What services does the treatment after cancer & late effects center provide?
Thorough review of your medical record with a multi-disciplinary team
Development of an individualized Survivor Care Plan - a "roadmap"
or guide with past treatment information and late effects related to treatment
Comprehensive health history and physical exam
A "Survivor Handbook" - information on physical, emotional and
daily living issues specific to cancer survivors
Coordination between oncology and primary care physicians and specialists
Assistance with social, emotional and daily living issues
Navigation to national, community and online resources
How does my oncologist relate to the treatment after cancer & late
effects center?
The Treatment After Cancer & Late Effects Center does not replace the
relationship with your primary oncologist. You will be seen annually and
can still follow-up with your oncologist for other cancer related issues.
What will happen on your first visit?
Our most important goal is to help survivors have a healthy and productive
life. At the visit:
Our pediatric oncologist, who specializes in caring for childhood cancer
survivors, will meet you and perform a complete physical exam and diagnostic tests.
Your individualized treatment summary and potential long term side effects
will be explained and discussed with you.
The Center will guide patients in ways to prevent future problems. This
treatment center is ONLY dedicated to cancer survivors. We will answer
questions and discuss any needs related to your cancer or its treatment.
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, PediatricsView Profile
