Taking Charge of Your Health: A Guide to Medical Follow-up for Young Adults Who Had Cancer in Childhood

CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy refers to different types of medication used in the treatment of cancer. Some of these medications have delayed side effects and the combination of radiation and chemotherapy may increase the risk or possibility of delayed complications.

• Drugs such as Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), ifosfamide, cisplatin and carboplatin may affect the kidney or bladder. A urinalysis will detect problems early. Blood tests called serum chemistry profiles will determine whether or not the kidneys are functioning properly.
  
• Certain drugs like bleomycin and methotrexate can cause lung problems. Shortness of breath may be a sign of a problem and should be reported to your doctor so that a pulmonary function test can be done to make sure the lungs are functioning properly. Smoking should be avoided.
  
• Cytoxan, nitrogen mustard, procarbazine, BCNU, CCNU, busulfan and chlorambucil are examples of a group of drugs called alkylating agents. These drugs can cause infertility (sterility, the inability to conceive). Women who have regular periods are likely to be fertile and should not delay childbearing. Men who have questions should have a sperm count.
  
• Drugs such as cisplatin may affect hearing. A hearing test such as an audiogram will detect this type of abnormality. Repeated exposure to loud noise may make a hearing problem worse.
  
• Adriamycin and daunomycin may affect the heart. An ECG (electrocardiogram) and an ECHO (echocardiogram) can check for normal heart function. Individuals who had these medicines should consult a physician before beginning an exercise program. Women should discuss their chemotherapy history with their obstetrician before planning to have a family.