Barriers and disparities in accessing quality care amongst childhood cancer survivors

Abstract

Although there have been tremendous strides in the treatment of childhood cancer over the past several decades, cancer survivors with limited access to quality medical care and follow up remain at a disadvantage. Long-term follow-up of the childhood cancer survivor continues to be of great concern to the medical community, and there are many challenges that create significant barriers to a good portion of survivors in obtaining and maintaining adequate medical surveillance. This chapter will review the current knowledge regarding the factors that create barriers and disparities in accessing quality care among childhood cancer survivors, and offer some possible strategies to improve access to affordable and efficacious medical care.