Childhood Cancer Survivors in Latin America: Insights Into Health Outcomes and Information Needs.

BACKGROUND

Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) face long-term health challenges, yet the health and specific needs of Latin American survivors remain underexplored. This study aimed to describe the health-related, psychosocial late effects, and information needs among CCSs in the region.

METHODS

This mixed-method study combined quantitative data from an online survey with qualitative insights from follow-up interviews, involving CCSs from the largest regional survivor network and additional participants recruited through snowball sampling. We report the quantitative results here. The survey was adapted from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Survey Follow-Up and the Needs Assessment Questionnaire (CCSS-NAQ).

RESULTS

A total of 135 CCSs from 16 Latin American countries participated (mean age 26.1 years). The most frequent late effects were mental health (61.2%), endocrine (58.6%), and cardiovascular (42.1%). Infertility was prevalent (16.9%), with nearly one-third unsure of their fertility status. Anxiety (51.1%) and depression (31.8%) were common. Significant findings included higher rates of endocrine disorders in females (p = 0.0018) and those who had received radiation (p = 0.048), respiratory problems in stem cell transplantation recipients (p = 0.026), and auditory impairment in survivors of a solid tumor (p = 0.0031). While most felt informed about their health, only one-third had regular medical follow-up and access to psychological care. Survivors expressed a strong interest in learning more about fertility and mental health, with a preference for digital information.

CONCLUSIONS

The study documents the need for region-specific survivorship care that addresses both the physical and mental health challenges of Latin American CCSs.