Late effects

A late effect is a condition that appears after the acute phase of an earlier condition has run its course. The earlier condition and/or its treatment can cause a late effect. Some late effects can occur decades later

 

One in 1,000 or so 20-year-olds in Australia are survivors of childhood cancer. These patients face medical and social difficulties in their adult life. These difficulties are because of the late effects of their cancer treatments. 

About our paediatric and late effects service 

Our Service helps people who have undergone curative treatment for cancer. It helps them to remain as healthy as possible throughout their lives. This includes survivors of childhood cancers. Such survivors need long-term support and monitoring to improve their mental, physical, and general wellbeing. 

Our Service was the first adult clinic of its kind set up in Australia. We perform ongoing reviews by a team of specialists from many disciplines. We also promote healthy living through patient education. We also manage the potential consequences of cancer treatment. 

Education is our primary focus as a tertiary training institution. During your time with us, you will meet health professionals training at varies stages of education. They will always deliver your care under senior specialist staff supervision. 

Living with the late effects of cancer 

We know how hard cancer and treatment can be. It will disrupt and change your lifestyle and that of your loved ones. It is common to struggle with ongoing concerns about cancer and therapy. The expert groups available to support you include: 

Patient and carer late effects resources 

More information is available on Children's Oncology Group Survivorship Guidelines.

Late effects referral information 

The Service is open to anyone who:  

  • Is over 18 
  • Completed their course as a curative treatment for cancer five years before. (These treatments can be for chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or surgery.) 

Your general practitioner or specialist will organise referrals to our Service. You can contact the service for more information or advice. 

Referral Guideline

Late Effects Service Referral Guideline

Clinic times 

The clinic runs in Melbourne each Thursday afternoon. It runs twice a year in Bendigo and Hobart.

Contact 

Natalie Goroncy, Nurse Coordinator

  • Phone: (03) 8559 7856  
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.