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DOI: 10.4103/ijmpo.ijmpo_6_20
Delivery of Services to Childhood Cancer Survivors in India: A National Survey
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Abstract
Background: Continuum of care is an important concern for childhood cancer survivors. Studies from high-income countries indicate a significant development in services to these survivors. Similar information is unavailable from India. Methods: An online survey form was developed and sent to 86 centers. Data were collected over a 6-month period in 2017. Results: Fifty nine centers responded (44.1% private sector, 33.9% public, and 22.0% charitable trust). The services are mainly provided (91%) within routine oncology clinics. There is no upper age limit (61%) or time period limit (63%) for follow-up at most of the centers. The major barriers for follow-up are distance, lack of knowledge, lack of adequate facilities, and patient priority for follow-up. Conclusion: This survey provides baseline information on current service provided to childhood cancer survivors in India. There is a need to inform, educate, and sensitize the survivor and their family as well as improving services.
Publication History
Received: 09 January 2020
Accepted: 11 May 2020
Article published online:
17 May 2021
© 2020. Indian Society of Medical and Paediatric Oncology. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.)
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