Study on dental health of childhood cancer survivors

Thanks to medical progress, four out of five children and adolescents nowadays survive cancer. Around 80 per cent of survivors are nevertheless confronted with late effects which sometimes only appear decades later. For example, childhood chemotherapy or radiation can affect dental health and lead to deformed teeth, tooth loss or gum disease. This in turn can have a negative impact on the quality of life and well-being of adolescents and young adults. Lack of coverage of dental treatment costs can further increase the financial burden on affected families.

Aim of the study

The study comprehensively examines dental health after a child has had cancer and highlights the problems of covering the costs of dental treatment. The results will increase awareness of dental problems after cancer treatment and thus promote early preventive measures.

Implementing organisation

Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) at the University of Bern