Thanks to improved therapies, more than 80 percent of U.S. children with cancer now become long-term survivors. An estimated 420,000 childhood cancer survivors live in the U.S. alone, with many more around the world.
St. Jude leads some of the world’s most ambitious research programs in childhood cancer survivorship. With unique data gathered from tens of thousands of cancer survivors, we are identifying the long-term effects of cancer therapy; finding better ways to predict health risks; and working to help survivors everywhere live longer, healthier lives.
St. Jude LIFE Study
St. Jude LIFE is an unprecedented study in which thousands of former St. Jude cancer patients periodically return to our campus for comprehensive clinical evaluations throughout their adult lives.
Findings from this unique cohort have yielded novel insights into the long-term effects of pediatric cancers and their treatments, and are informing new approaches to improve long-term survivor health.
Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
St. Jude is the coordinating center for the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS). This multi-institutional collaboration is the world’s single largest resource for survivorship research.
Through this initiative, we are analyzing comprehensive treatment exposure and self-reported outcomes data for more than 35,000 survivors, including thousands who were treated at St. Jude.
Meet our teams
St. Jude faculty and staff include some of the world’s leading investigators and clinicians in pediatric cancer survivorship.
Patient care
As well as our unique research programs, we provide world-class clinical care for survivors who have completed their active therapy at St. Jude. Patients whose disease has been in remission for five years receive specialized care at our After Completion of Therapy (ACT) clinic. Survivors graduating from St. Jude clinical programs may receive cancer-related consultation services through the St. Jude Alumnus Office.
Latest survivorship research
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Reading Skills: Windows to the World
By pinpointing cognitive skills necessary for reading, scientists work to improve quality of life for hearing-impaired brain tumor survivors.
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Better Together: The St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center
The power of team science makes progress possible.
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Small risks may have big impact on breast cancer odds of childhood cancer survivors
Common genetic variations may help find female childhood cancer survivors at increased risk of breast cancer and who are candidates for stepped up screening.
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Brain Booster
Research that pairs brain stimulation and training shows promise in cancer survivors.
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Exercise Your Options
A fun fitness study helps children increase activity after leukemia treatment.
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Late effects of treatment hinder independence of adult survivors of childhood brain tumors
St. Jude investigators find that cognitive impairment and physical performance limitations are strong predictors of non-independence in survivors.
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Financial checkup should be part of health screenings for childhood cancer survivors
Financial hardship is widespread among childhood cancer survivors, reducing their quality of life and leaving them at risk for depression, other problems.
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Reflections on Survivors' Social Connections
Young cancer survivors face unique challenges when it comes to bonding on social media. Learn how a study of these connections is helping inform support plans for patients in treatment.
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"Substantial portion" of childhood cancer survivors not concerned about their future health
Surveys from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study found that a surprisingly high number of survivors showed a lack of concern for their future well-being.
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Genetic counseling suggested for all childhood cancer survivors
St. Jude has completed the first genome sequencing of cancer survivors and found that 12 percent of childhood cancer survivors may have a higher risk of cancer.
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Hodgkin Lymphoma: When Lightning Strikes Twice
Why are some families struck with multiple cases of Hodgkin lymphoma? Learn about the FAMHL clinical trial designed to pinpoint genetic causes.
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How socially connected are cancer survivors? The answer might surprise you.
As cancer survivorship increases, so do efforts to understand and strengthen social support and advice. Read the latest.
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The chance to earn modest rewards may help get kids moving
Want young cancer survivors to stay active? Pilot study finds the chance to earn stickers, T-shirts and other rewards helps keep survivors moving.
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SJFAMILY: Shaking the Family Tree
Through the SJFAMILY study, St. Jude investigators explore why some cancers run in families and why certain people get more than one cancer.
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Comprehensive study of chronic disease reveals vulnerability of childhood cancer survivors
The severity and complexity of chronic disease in adult survivors of childhood cancer suggest that a new approach to healthcare delivery is needed.