Dr. Bhatt on the Longitudinal Effects of Chronic Diseases in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Neel S. Bhatt, MBBS, MPH, assistant professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, discusses the longitudinal effects of chronic diseases in childhood cancer survivors.

The prevention and management of chronic health conditions in survivors of childhood cancer require additional focus from the oncology community, Bhatt says. Along with affecting the overall clinical outcomes of patients, chronic health conditions can impact psychosocial outcomes, including aspects such as employment and quality of life, Bhatt adds.

Continued research could drive increased interest in managing chronic health conditions and influence change in the clinical care of the childhood cancer survivors, and it is vital to have conversations about how to better serve this vulnerable patient population, Bhatt concludes.