Late effects service

More people are surviving both cancer and stem cell procedures than ever before. Many of the treatments used however, may have side effects. These side effects may not become obvious until months or even years after treatment has finished. We call these problems 'late effects'.

Not everybody develops late effects. It depends on the disease you had, and the type and amount of treatment you received. We use this information about your disease and its treatment to plan your care.

It is important for you to come to this clinic so that we can look for and identify possible late effects. We can also advise you on the things to look out for yourself. By doing this we hope we can find any problems as early as possible and then treat them as necessary or refer you on to the appropriate healthcare professional for expert advice. Most problems are easier to manage the earlier they are picked up which is why it is important to actively look for problems you are at risk of even if you feel well, rather than wait for them to become obvious.

Common medical (physical) late effects include problems with your:

• Hormones or fertility
• Skin
• Heart
• Lungs
• Kidneys
• Other organs

Psychological concerns are also common. Your experience of cancer / cancer treatment may have had an impact on both you and your family, carers or friends. The staff at the Late Effects Clinic have experience of talking to lots of people with psychological concerns after treatment which helps them understand the issues affecting you. We will be able to offer you advice and help if you have any concerns related to your previous cancer and its treatment. There is also the option of being referred for specific psychological help if needed.

The multidisciplinary team (MDT) is a group of clinicians (doctors, nurses and other health professionals) with expertise in the late effects of cancer treatment. The team meet together to share information and to discuss and manage your care. The MDT reviews your medical history, including the cancer treatment you received and any current medical or psychological concerns you may have. The MDT then discuss the results of any diagnostic tests and your relevant circumstances to plan the late effects follow-up care that’s best for you.

The team is responsible for:

• Deciding if any further tests are necessary
• Discussing your follow-up care options
• Making appropriate referrals to other specialist services
• Ensuring your physical, mental and social needs are all considered (sometimes referred to as holistic needs)
• Discussing who is best placed to take a lead on your follow-up care.

Clinics are held in Medical Outpatients, on A floor of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital (RHH) or at Outpatients 2, on 4th floor of Weston Park Cancer Centre (WPCC). Your appointment letter will specify which clinic to attend.

For the RHH Late Effects Clinic, you should enter Medical Outpatients via Entrance 3 on A Road.For the WPH Late Effects Clinic, you should enter the Main Entrance at Weston Park Hospital from Whitham Road. Please report to reception on arrival. If you come by car please allow plenty of time as parking can be difficult.

If you have any persistent symptoms, or an urgent health concern, you should seek urgent medical attention via your GP or out of hours service. You can also contact us to make an earlier appointment. We can provide you with details of who to contact and their contact details and these are given on your clinic letter. We will also advise you on what to look out for and how to recognise when to seek further professional advice.