Leukemia Survivorship and Care Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Leukemia Leukemia Survivorship and Care Information, support, and resources can help survivors cope with any long-term effects of treatment. By Julie Lynn MarksMedically Reviewed by Abeer N. AbouYabis, MDReviewed: August 25, 2022Medically ReviewedChildren and adults who survive leukemia may face a variety of physical and emotional challenges.Getty Images“Survivorship” is a term that describes living beyond cancer. You’re considered a leukemia survivor if you’ve completed treatment and are in remission. While newer medicines and procedures have significantly improved cure rates in people with leukemia, some therapies can lead to long-term medical problems down the road. Additionally, many cancer survivors experience a wide range of emotions, including joy, relief, guilt, sadness, anxiety, and fear. Knowing the risks associated with treatment, finding support, and utilizing resources can help survivors thrive. (1) What Are Long-Term and Late Effects Long-term and late effects of cancer therapies are medical issues that persist or crop up months or years after your treatment ends. They can occur in both adult or childhood cancer survivors. These problems may be due to chemotherapy, other medication, radiation, or stem cell transplants. Many leukemia patients don’t experience any serious long-term effects. But research suggests that the majority of cancer survivors who receive chemotherapy and radiation have at least one physical, psychological, or social late effect after their treatment is completed. (2) Your chances of developing long-term problems will depend on:The type of treatment you hadHow long your treatment lastedYour ageYour medical conditionYour gender (3,4) RELATED: Cured of Cancer, But at a Cost Common Late Effects for Leukemia Survivors Leukemia survivors might experience late effects, such as:Chronic heart conditionsLung damageLiver diseaseInfertilityReduced bone densitySecondary cancersFatigueLearning issuesBrain and nerve dysfunctionHearing lossThyroid issuesPsychological distressCognitive or memory problemsGrowth delays (in children) (2) Spotting these effects early on is helpful so that your doctor can suggest treatments to improve your symptoms and condition. RELATED: Leukemia Treatment Have Vastly Improved Over the Years Special Issues for Young Survivors Although children and adults who survive leukemia face many of the same physical and emotional risks, some kids encounter distinct challenges. For example, children with cancer aren’t finished growing, so they might face growth delays because of treatment. While adults may struggle with fertility problems due to treatment, they may have already had the chance to conceive. Some children with cancer are denied this opportunity altogether. Children may also have a more difficult time managing their emotions than adults do. Also, kids with cancer might miss a lot of school and have trouble readjusting to academic life when their treatment ends. Parents may have to work with school administrators and staff to make special accommodations for their kids. (4) Follow-Up Care for Survivors Follow-up care is extremely important for leukemia survivors. Regular checkups can help your doctor monitor your condition, spot cancer recurrences, and identify any long-term or late effects of treatment. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society suggests that cancer survivors should see their primary care doctor for a yearly exam or more often if needed. They should visit their oncologists regularly as well. (3) At each follow-up appointment you have, it’s a good idea to:Tell your doctor about any physical or psychological symptoms you have.Write down what you discussed with your doctor.Ask your doctor if you need any follow-up tests.Discuss any previous test results with your physician.Request copies of all lab reports and test results, and keep them in a file.Keep a list of all medications you take.Mark future appointments on your calendar. Some facilities offer follow-up cancer care clinics that provide special resources for survivors. Many of these programs specialize in pediatric cancer care, but there are also some available for adult survivors. (3) Taking Care of Yourself Self-care is extremely important for cancer survivors. In addition to keeping all your doctor’s appointments, try to:Eat healthy. Include lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your diet. Try to stay away from processed foods. You might want to eat four or five smaller meals each day, instead of just three.Exercise. Physical activity can boost energy and improve your health. But talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.Get enough rest. Adequate amounts of sleep are important for cancer survivors. Let your healthcare provider know if you have difficulty sleeping at night.Quit smoking. Quitting or avoiding smoking is one of the most important health decisions you can make. Your doctor can equip you with tools to help you quit. (5) Coping With Psychological Effects According to the American Cancer Society, up to 1 in 4 people with cancer have clinical depression. (6) Others suffer from anxiety, fear, or stress. These conditions also affect survivors. Signs of depression may include:Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessnessWeight gain or weight lossLoss of interest in everyday activitiesExtreme fatigue or loss of energyTrouble sleeping or sleeping too muchThoughts about death or suicide (6) Many people also worry about the cancer coming back. This fear can be intense and affect a person’s ability to eat, sleep, and enjoy life. Talk to your physician if you experience any of these symptoms. Therapy and other treatments are available to help survivors cope. Finding Leukemia Support and Resources Many cancer survivors benefit from online or in-person support groups. These groups help you connect with others who’ve been through a similar journey. There are also support groups designed for parents of children with cancer. Staying informed may also help you feel empowered as a survivor. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute both provide reliable and up-to-date information about leukemia. You might also want to ask friends or family members for assistance if you need it. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel overwhelmed. Additionally, several organizations offer resources and support for survivors. Some include:The Leukemia & Lymphoma SocietyNational Cancer Institute: Office of Cancer SurvivorshipCenters for Disease Control and Prevention: Cancer Survivorship Care PlansAmerican Cancer Society: National Cancer Survivorship Resource CenterAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology: Survivorship NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Cancer Care Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Leukemia - Acute Lymphoblastic - ALL - Childhood: Survivorship. American Society of Clinical Oncology. March 2020.What Survivors Should Know (FAQs). Johns Hopkins Medicine.Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment in Adults Facts [PDF]. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. November 2012.Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Leukemia or Lymphoma Facts [PDF]. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. March 2013.Follow-Up Care and Survivorship. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Depression. American Cancer Society. February 1, 2020.Show Less The Latest in Leukemia Leukemia Treatments Chemotherapy Targeted Therapy Radiation and MorePeople diagnosed with leukemia have many options for treatment, including new targeted drugs. By Julie Lynn MarksAugust 25, 2022 What Is Hairy Cell Leukemia Treatment Symptoms and CausesBy Pamela KaufmanAugust 8, 2022 What Is Myelofibrosis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and PreventionBy Julie Lynn MarksJune 12, 2022 What Is Acute Myeloid Leukemia AML Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and PreventionBy Pamela KaufmanDecember 2, 2021 What Is Leukemia Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and PreventionLeukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow, a soft spongy tissue inside the bones where blood cells are made.By Julie Lynn MarksAugust 13, 2020 What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia CLL Symptoms Stages and Treatment CLL is the most common leukemia that occurs in adults.By Julie Lynn MarksJune 16, 2020 Leukemia Rashes Infections and Bruises People with leukemia are prone to a range of skin-related problems, from rashes and bruising to infections and bleeding into the skin.By Nicol NataleMarch 27, 2019 Chemo-Free Drug Combination Tops Standard Chemotherapy for Treating Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia CLL Nearly 85 percent of patients survived for two years without disease progressing.By Paul RaeburnJuly 31, 2018 Types of Leukemia There s More Than One Variety of This Blood DiseaseNot all leukemias are the same. The cancer is divided into different types, depending on the blood cells it affects and how fast it progresses.By Julie MarksMay 29, 2018 Leukemia Resources to Help Patients and Families CopeIf you’ve recently been diagnosed with leukemia, it’s important that you and your family have access to resources that can help you understand, cope with...By Nicol NataleMay 29, 2018 MORE IN Cancer Terms Explained Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms Diagnosis and Treatment 6 Things to Read Watch and Listen to About Ovarian Cancer