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All about life after childhood cancer

Survivors

You had cancer as a child. Perhaps that was a long time ago. Or perhaps it is still recent. Either way: it has affected you. Sometimes you notice this in your body or your energy, at moments when you least expect it. Sometimes it is more in your head — in questions about what the future holds, or in thoughts that suddenly return. Whatever you are feeling: you are not alone. This website is here for you, with reliable and up-to-date information about life after childhood cancer.

Life after childhood cancer

More and more children with cancer are being cured thanks to better treatment and care. Currently, there are more than 14,000 people in the Netherlands who had cancer as a child. Research shows that as a survivor, you are more likely to have health problems than your peers. Sometimes these late effects only arise years after treatment. Many late effects can be treated effectively, especially if caught in time. That is why the Princess Máxima Center has a special clinic for survivors, the LATER clinic.

In scientific literature, people who have had a type of cancer are called survivors. We choose to use this term, although we understand that not everyone embraces it.

On this website, you will find information about:

Information about

  • Your health

    On this page you will find everything about your health, with special attention for exercise and lifestyle.
    Your health

  • Your place in society

    Here you will find information about your school, work and insurance.
    Your place in society

  • Your feelings

    Here you will find information about your feelings
    Your feelings

  • Your late effects

    Here you will find information about your possible late effects
    Your late effects

Share your thoughts!

We would love to hear what you think and what matters to you at the Princess Máxima Center. This helps us better meet your wishes and needs. Join us and share your thoughts!

De Meedenkers

Agenda

Survivor stories

All stories
A survivor’s story

‘Even though it didn’t feel that way at the time, it seems as if everything happened for a reason.’

Rachel has been cancer-free herself for 14 years and now produces specialized cell and gene therapies for children with cancer at the Princess Máxima Center. ‘The first few times I walked into the Máxima Center I felt overwhelmed. Many memories came back. At the same time, it was very comforting to see children having fun.’

A survivor’s story

‘I’ve rediscovered my identity and learned what I’m still capable of.’

Cherine (35) was 10 years old when she was diagnosed with bone cancer. She had to choose between several intensive treatments: a year of chemotherapy in the United States in the hope of saving her leg, amputation, rotationplasty, or removal of her knee and thigh muscles. She chose the latter. Now she visits the LATER outpatient clinic at the Máxima and works there as well.