A nationwide questionnaire survey targeting Japanese pediatric endocrinologists regarding transitional care in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors

Abstract

Existing guidelines recommend long-term follow-up of childhood cancer survivors (CCS). However, in Japan, transitional care for CCS has not been established. To ascertain the current status in Japan, and to cultivate a better understanding, a questionnaire survey was conducted on transitional care in CCS, and adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Questionnaires were distributed to 183 councilors (137 institutions) of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology. A total of 131 responses, representative of 174 councilors, were obtained. The response rate was 95%. Among the respondents, 91% had experience in medical care for cancer patients, while 63% had experience in transitional care; however, the number of patients referred to adult clinics was small. Further, 89% acknowledged the availability of adult endocrinologists who were willing to accept these patients; although their numbers were insufficient. Pediatric endocrinologists highlighted difficulties in medical examinations concerning infertility, obesity, pregnancy/delivery, and gonadal dysfunction, in that order. Staff and time shortages were listed as some of the challenges faced by medical staff, while multisystem morbidity was listed for patients. This nationwide questionnaire survey revealed that Japanese pediatric endocrinologists require cooperation between related departments and collaborative infrastructure to develop transitional care for cancer survivors.