Unfortunately, some cancer survivors may have physical long-term side effects such as limb amputation, scars, infertility, stunted growth and development, intellectual difficulties and loss of mobility.

The medical team manages the possibility of long-term side effects and advises on important procedures that should take place prior to the onset of treatment to reduce the after effects. Sometimes it is possible that body organs may be damaged or a secondary cancer may develop later in life. The medical team will advise on a follow up programme to monitor late effects from cancer treatment.

Long-term emotional side effects are part of the cancer treatment and are often overlooked because of the need to treat the physical problem.

Young people living with cancer, including patients and siblings, may experience poor self esteem, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and difficulties adjusting to adulthood. Such challenges may be more profound for cancer patients that have physical disabilities or scars caused by cancer, and this influences their quality of life. To read more about emotional side effects of cancer see the ‘beyond cancer’ section.