Thanks to progress in medicine, more and more people are surviving cancer. An experience not without its after-effects, however, at the physical, psychological, professional and relational level.
To help and support cancer survivors in returning to their desired lifestyle, the H.U.B’s clinic for long-term follow up proposes multidisciplinary and holistic follow up for adolescents, young adults and adults following a haematological cancer (lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloma, etc.). These patients are in remission and no longer following active treatment, apart from a possible maintenance medication.
The H.U.B’s Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic is staffed by specialist doctors, physiotherapists, oncology psychologists, neuropsychologists, coaches and partner patients.
At the 1st consultation, the Clinic’s haematologist assesses the patient’s needs and draws up the Survivor Passport that sets out the lifelong follow up required.
A personalised care pathway is then drawn up on the basis of the needs of each individual. This revolves around 8 main lines corresponding to the main challenges the cancer survivor may face:
- Relapse and other cancers : Cancer antecedents are an additional risk factor and there must be rigorous lifelong screening for other cancers (breast, cervical, colorectal, skin).
- Neurocognitive disorders: Neuropsychologists help detect concentration and memory problems, etc.
- Sexual and/or fertility problems: The H.U.B.’s specialists in gynaecology, fertility and sexology help persons facing sexual problems and/or difficulty in conceiving
- Return to work : The team at the Clinic encourage and assist patients in returning to active working life whenever possible.
- Cardiovascular risk : Some cancer treatment can result in cardiac toxicities in the long term and/or increase cardiovascular risk factors. It is essential for these to be detected and managed.
- Diet and nutrition: A healthy balanced diet plays a big part in improving overall health.
- Appropriate physical activity: Sufficient and regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and the return of certain cancers while improving overall mental and physical health and quality of life.
- Psychological support : Cancer and cancer treatment are potentially traumatising. Their impact and after-effects can be difficult to live with.
The Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic conducts research into neurocognitive disorders associated with cancer and cancer treatment. This is carried out in cooperation with the H.U.B’s Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory in particular.
Dr Alice Wolfromm (Hematology)