Transitioning to Adult Health Care

Why transition to an adult care provider?

Pediatric cancer survivors and their families have been through a lot with their primary oncology team, so transitioning to an adult healthcare provider can be a big change. However, as survivors grow into young adults, it is important that they see providers who can care for them long-term into adulthood.

Survivors should talk to their medical team about the transition to survivorship and adult care. This usually happens in the young adult years, but the exact timing may differ based on the patient. The timing of this transition depending on many things like when the survivor was treated for cancer, what types of treatment they had, what their risk of long term effects are, what other medical problems they have, and other transitions they are going through (like where and when they are going to college, work or independent living).

Some survivors may follow up with a cancer center or long-term cancer follow-up program, while others may follow up with a primary care provider. Talk to your oncology team about what is right for you.

How to Transition to Adult Care

No matter when or where the tranition occurs, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Have a copy of your treatment summary (diagnosis and treatments received) and your survivorship care plan (document with recommended follow-up from your oncologist). You can create a survivorship care plan using OncoLink's Smart ALACC tool. Not all adult doctors will be familiar with childhood cancer therapy, so having this information and being an advocate for yourself is a good thing.
• All survivors should continue lifelong follow-up care both for general health and to screen for the long-term effects of cancer therapy.
• Ask for recommendations for providers from your medical team, family, and friends. Finding a “good fit” is important.
• Be honest! Tell your new provider about new symptoms, concerns, and health habits.
• Continue to use your resources. Just because survivors become young adults does not mean they cannot use their supports, including parents, friends, significant others, or support groups to ensure they are taking care of their health as best they can.