HOPE Survivorship Program

In the 1960s, only 5% of children survived leukemia. Today that number is closer to 90%. As the cancer survival rate continues to climb, survivors increasingly need follow-up care and support for the long-term effects of cancer and cancer treatment.

Close up of a mother and daughter smiling. Both have long brown hair with bangs and glasses. The mom is wearing a black shirt and the daughter is wearing a denim jacket.

Created in 1987, the Children’s Hospital Colorado HOPE Cancer Survivorship Program was one of the nation’s first programs focused on cancer survivorship. More than 30 years later, the program continues to provide excellent multidisciplinary care not only to cancer survivors, but also to patients who have undergone bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapy. The HOPE Program, which stands for Helping Oncology Patients Excel, helps childhood cancer and bone marrow transplantation survivors of all ages live fuller, healthier lives.

About the HOPE Survivorship Program

Cancer, cancer treatment, cellular therapy and bone marrow transplantation can lead to side effects that appear after some time. These side effects can include heart and lung complications, hormone disorders, secondary cancer, learning disabilities, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder and infertility. As experts in pediatric cancer and bone marrow transplantation survivorship with decades of experience, our multidisciplinary team offers guidance and support for kids and young adults coping with these challenges.

Why choose us for long-term cancer follow-up care

As one of the longest-running survivorship programs in the nation, and the only one in Colorado and our neighboring states, we’ve served more than 2,000 patients from Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. Our extensive experience helps us provide comprehensive support for our patients as they adjust to life after cancer or bone marrow transplantation.

The HOPE Program is important from both a medical and emotional well-being standpoint. This is because cancer, its treatment, and bone marrow transplantation can lead to other health difficulties down the road, including changes to physical and mental health. Survivors can experience complicated, sometimes confusing feelings in the months and years following treatment. Long-term follow-up means we can watch for signs that indicate a patient may be struggling and help connect them to the resources and support they need to properly heal.

2,000+ Patients treated in our 30-year history

ONLY Cancer survivorship program in Colorado and surrounding states

Who we treat at the HOPE Survivorship Program

Our team works with survivors of bone marrow transplantation, cellular therapy and all types of childhood cancer. Patients must be at least five years past their cancer diagnosis and at least two years past the conclusion of treatment or transplantation.

Preparing for your visit to the HOPE Survivorship Program

An initial visit lasts about three hours. During that time, survivors meet the members of their care team, including:

Pediatric oncologist, bone marrow transplantation physician or advanced practice provider: Your child’s oncology or bone marrow transplantation provider will review your child’s records prior to the appointment. They will discuss with you and your family any physical or mental health concerns you have about your child, perform a comprehensive exam of your child and order any necessary tests. They will also discuss any important past medical issues from the cancer or bone marrow transplantation treatment and will develop a plan to help address any ongoing concerns. They will also communicate with your primary care provider and any additional specialists.
Psychologist: Adjusting to life after cancer or bone marrow transplantation can be challenging. A psychologist will meet with you to address any concerns you have about your child’s return to school, home or job, as well as any worries you have about finances or other issues, that may make a return to “normal life” after cancer or bone marrow transplantation more difficult. They will help you develop a plan of action and connect you with any necessary resources. Your child will receive a neuropsychology screening during this visit. If we have any concerns based on this evaluation, we will refer you for a complete neuropsychological evaluation.
Dietitian: Cancer and bone marrow transplantation survivors often struggle with returning to a well-rounded nutrition and activity plan after therapy. A dietitian will review your child’s dietary and activity habits, blood pressure and relevant nutrition labs. They will work with you to develop individualized healthy lifestyle recommendations for your child and family.
Nurse coordinator and educator: A survivorship nurse coordinator and educator will review your child’s records prior to the appointment and create an individualized treatment summary for you, detailing any continued follow-up visits or tests that your child will need. They will review this with you during your child’s appointment and answer your questions. They will also provide you with a wallet-sized card summarizing your discussion.
Genetic counselor: They will review your child’s records. If there is a risk of an underlying genetic reason for your child’s cancer history, your provider will discuss this at your visit and offer a separate genetic counseling appointment.

Further survivorship care in the HOPE Follow-Up Clinic

After the initial visit, your child will return annually to our clinic for evaluation, risk assessment and health education. These follow-up appointments are much shorter, and your child may see one or a combination of the following specialists: a pediatric oncologist, a bone marrow translation physician and an advanced practice provider or nurse educator. The appointments include a physical exam and any necessary tests and screenings that help us monitor your child for late side effects. We will also provide ongoing health education and will make referrals to other specialists as necessary.

Check out our other resources for families and cancer survivors.

HOPE Transition to Adult Care Program

Once your child is 16 years old, the HOPE team will begin assessing if they’re ready for adult care. Once your child is a young adult (18 to 21 years of age), the HOPE team will recommend that you attend the HOPE Transition to Adult Care Program. There, we have discussions about transitioning to adult care, adult medicine primary care provider choice, navigating the adult healthcare system, resource and insurance evaluation and more in addition to your regular follow-up care. This program includes discussions with psychologists, social workers, family health navigators and genetic counselors. Your provider will then complete a formal hand-off to your chosen primary care provider.