“After overcoming childhood cancer, young adults should be able to live carefree and healthy lives. Heart health plays an important role in this. I want to contribute to that,” explains Dr. Christina Schindera, Senior Physician in Pediatric Oncology and Hematology. Research is close to her heart: “We want to detect heart problems at an early stage. This allows us to treat them in a targeted way and preserve heart health for as long as possible.”
Late effects as lifelong burdens
Children who have survived cancer may still experience a range of health problems later in life. “Late effects can affect any organ system,” says the pediatric oncologist. The most common are heart and lung diseases, hormonal disorders, as well as problems with muscles and bones. But psychological challenges, concentration difficulties, and chronic fatigue can also weigh heavily on adulthood.
