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Survivorship Program

The Pediatric Survivorship Program cares for patients who overcame childhood cancer, as well as those who received bone marrow transplants. These individuals are at risk for other health issues over their lifetimes because of complications from the disease or its treatment. Our team of oncologists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, researchers and dietitians provides long-term follow-up care, medical monitoring and education, with the goal of helping people understand and manage their risks. 

In the U.S., an estimated 1 in 600 adults between the ages of 20 and 39 had cancer during childhood. Thirty years after diagnosis, a survivor’s risk of death is eight times higher than that of the general population, and survivors commonly face a variety of medical and psychosocial issues later in life. Physically, late effects can include second malignancies, organ dysfunction, infertility, endocrine disorders, obesity, diabetes, impaired growth, neurological problems, chronic pain and early death. Psychosocial issues may result from the stress of having had cancer and anxiety about possible effects to come. Survivors may experience cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem, academic challenges, unemployment, inability to work consistently, substance abuse, interpersonal problems, lack of health insurance, and lasting financial distress. Dedicated survivorship care can improve, prevent or manage these effects.

The goals of the Survivorship Program include the following:

  • To help survivors and their families recognize and cope with the potential late effects of treatment
  • To provide psychosocial support
  • To serve as a link to other specialists and testing services, as needed
  • To assist primary care providers in meeting each survivor’s overall health needs
  • To contribute to survivorship research that will ultimately improve care

Services offered

A visit to the Survivorship Clinic includes:

  • A thorough review of all prior treatments
  • An examination with a doctor who specializes in survivorship and will review diagnosis, treatment and potential impacts on the individual’s present and future health
  • Consultations with a social worker, psychologist and dietitian
  • Referrals, as needed, to subspecialty care, such as endocrinology, fertility, cardiology and gastroenterology
  • Scheduling of recommended tests, such as blood work, heart function evaluations, hearing assessments, pulmonary function tests and bone density scans

All patients return to their referring physicians for ongoing care. Patients receive an individualized survivorship care plan that’s summarized on a wallet-size card or in a secure electronic document for easy reference at future meetings with doctors and other care providers. Patients are welcome to return in five to 10 years for a follow-up evaluation, which may reflect new guidelines on managing cancer survivors. There is no upper age limit for the patients we see.

Adolescent and adult care

Studies have shown that pediatric cancer survivors do better with consistent treatment through adolescence and young adulthood. We are available to facilitate such care and to ease the transition from pediatric to adult care at the appropriate time.

Resources for health care providers

Health care providers can learn more about long-term needs of survivors by consulting the follow-up guidelines of the Children's Oncology Group.

Our locations (2)

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    • Best in Northern California for cancer care

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Support services

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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    Beads of Courage

    We help children cope with cancer testing and treatment challenges by awarding colorful beads for each milestone they achieve. Find out about our program.

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    Camp Okizu

    This overnight summer camp for children with cancer, siblings and families offers fun activities, education sessions and support in a beautiful setting.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

    interpreters-2x

    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

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    Learning never stops

    Our classroom and bedside classes help kids get credit and keep learning during treatment.

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