Lay summaries

Here you will find short summaries of the results of published studies in easy-to-understand language.
We will be posting simplified summaries on a regular basis, so that you can access as many of our scientific articles as possible.

Survivors of childhood cancer should protect their heart health

This study focused on healthy lifestyles of adults who had cancer during childhood. It looked at how healthy lifestyles — such as eating well or being physically active — varied between survivors who received more or less heart-damaging cancer treatments. Understanding these patterns helps doctors and survivors focus prevention efforts where they are most needed. […]

Breathing symptoms during exercise in childhood cancer survivors: what factors matter

The study examined how often breathing symptoms during exercise occur after cancer in childhood and adolescence, and what factors might be contributing. This is important because physical activity after cancer helps strengthen health and supports well-being. When such symptoms make physical activity harder, better knowledge of their possible causes can help provide targeted support for […]

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗖𝗖𝗦𝗦-𝗚𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗺

We sat down with 12 SCCSS participants to discuss the contents of our questionnaire to gain a better understanding of what topics are important to them and how we can improve our survey to reflect their needs more accurately. The most important topics were impact on the family, mental health and return to daily life. […]

What does Childhood Cancer do to the Teeth?

This study aimed to find out how common dental problems are among children and teenagers who survived cancer and whether certain cancer treatments increase this risk. By comparing their dental health with that of their siblings who never had cancer, we hope to better understand how cancer and its treatments affect tooth development and to […]

Colorectal Cancer Among Childhood Cancer Survivors – A PanCareSurFup Study

The international PanCareSurFup study aimed to examine whether people who had cancer during childhood are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer later in life. The goal was to find out whether certain cancer treatments influence this risk, and whether some survivors could benefit from earlier or more targeted screening programmes, ensuring good follow-up care. […]

Increased breast cancer risk after chemotherapy: Findings from an international study

This international study investigated whether women who were treated with certain chemotherapies in childhood have a higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life. The insights gained from this study can be used to detect and treat breast cancer more quickly and to determine whether these women need specific recommendations for breast cancer screening. […]

Bone and Joint Problems of Childhood Cancer Patients

After childhood cancer, late effects such as problems with bones, joints, and muscles can occur and make everyday life more difficult. Examples include osteoporosis (fragile bones), joint pain, or when one leg is shorter than the other. This study aimed to find out how frequently such problems occur and who is particularly affected by such […]

A Look at Health Problems after Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis during Childhood

This study investigated the health problems experienced by people who had Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in childhood. The health issues of survivors were then compared with those of their siblings. Although LCH is not a cancer, the disease and its treatment can cause health problems. Knowledge of such late effects enables swift identification and early […]

Why we Keep an Eye on Oral Cancer in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Although childhood cancer treatments primarily target cancer cells, they can also damage healthy cells. Because of this, and sometimes also due to a genetic predisposition, survivors have an increased risk of developing another tumor later in life. This international study therefore looked at the risk of former paediatric cancer patients to later develop oral cavity […]

Parental Smoking and Lung Health in Childhood Cancer Survivors

This study aimed to determine how many childhood cancer survivors are exposed to cigarette smoke at home and whether this contributes to respiratory problems, such as chronic cough, asthma. The study highlights the increased vulnerability of some children to respiratory issues due to cancer treatment and suggests that targeted interventions during follow-up care could support […]