The Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic within the Masonic Cancer Clinic provides health care to survivors of childhood and adulthood cancers. These survivors often face unique life-long health and wellness needs. University of Minnesota Physicians oncologists, in collaboration with each patient’s primary care physician, provide a specialized form of ongoing health care for this unique population.

Services
Depending on the type of cancer and treatment received, cancer survivors may or may not be at risk for developing late effects. The most commonly seen late effects are second cancers, cardiopulmonary issues, bone problems, and infertility. Some of the services the clinic offers include:

• Late effects screening
• Clinical exams and laboratory tests
• Personal disease history and therapy review
• Referral and coordination of specialty care if needed
• Treatment summaries for each cancer survivor and his/her primary physician
• Education on reducing the risks of late effects
• Information about current research and knowledge of late effects
• Counseling on education and occupational concerns.

The Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic works to identify and manage the effects of cancer and its treatments. The clinic also features education -- for survivors, their families and the medical community about the long-term effects of cancer treatment, and appropriate screening needed to maintain a healthy, cancer-free life.

A well-rounded approach
Patients benefit from the unique insights and comprehensive approach of the Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic’s multidisciplinary team. This team reviews each patient’s treatments and makes recommendations for monitoring and care of potential late effects. A patient’s team may be comprised of the following:

• Oncologists
• Nurses
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Other specialists as needed

Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic oncologists are members of the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers.

Patient eligibility
The Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic is available to cancer survivors, regardless of age, diagnosis or initial treatment center. Eligible patients for both programs include any cancer patient five years or more from completion of therapy.