Specialized Programs – H.O.P.E. Clinic

Helping Oncology Patients Excel (H.O.P.E.) Clinic

The H.O.P.E. Clinic was created to provide support and education to childhood cancer survivors of all ages. This is becoming more and more important as many children and adolescents have survived their cancer. The Children’s Hospital was one of the first in the country to offer a clinic focused on survivorship. We are committed to helping each survivor live the healthiest and fullest life possible.

Our Goals

• To identify and address any potential late effects that may have resulted from diagnosis and/or treatment.
• To provide education about chemotherapy and radiation therapy received.
• To provide guidance on leading a healthy lifestyle as a childhood cancer survivor.
• To make available the many resources for childhood cancer survivors.

What Are Late Effects?

Late effects can include the following:

• heart and lung problems
• hormone disorders
• secondary cancers
• learning disabilities
• decreased self esteem
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• infertility

Who is Eligible to Participate in the H.O.P.E. Clinic?

• Childhood cancer survivors diagnosed between the ages of 0-18 years.
• Five years or more must have passed since diagnosis and two years or more since completion of therapy.

How Long is the H.O.P.E. Clinic Visit?

Each appointment takes about 3 hours. This allows our team time to educate each survivor and provide them ample time to ask questions about their prior illness and future. Any labs, x–rays or additional tests will be scheduled in the morning, prior to the clinic visit. Due to the personalized nature of the clinic, some patients may require more than one day for appointments. 

During Your visit…

Patients and families may be seen by one or more of the following members of our H.O.P.E. Clinic team:

• Oncologist
• Physician Assistant
• Social Worker
• Dietitian
• Nurse Coordinator
• Neuropsychologist

Appointments with additional specialists will be scheduled based on patient need.

Learn More and Enroll

• Talk with your primary oncologist about the program. 
• Call (720) 777-1234 or contact the program coordinator, Genevieve Sylvain, RN
• Some insurance companies require referrals. We will need your insurance information before your appointment.

Survivor Statistics

• Currently there are an estimated 270,000 survivors of childhood cancer in the United States .
• About one individual in 1,000 is a childhood cancer survivor: among adults age 20-34 years, an estimated one in 570 individuals is a childhood cancer survivor (SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1973-1999).
• The cure rate for newly diagnosed pediatric malignancy is about 75%.
• Advances in medical oncology are leading to longer remissions and more malignancy cures in adults.

There is a tremendous need for late-effects programs at both pediatric and adult levels.  Late-effects programs involve medical, psychosocial, cognitive and financial aspects for the patients and their families.