Letter from Dr. Armstrong | Winter/Spring 2025

In this issue of LTFU Update, we focus on ways to manage pain without medication that can make a real difference. We hope you find that the tips, inspiring stories, and expert insights in this issue provide useful information on ways to treat chronic pain. 

Our spotlight study, led by Nicole Alberts, PhD, of Concordia University in Montreal, found that about 4 in 10 (40%) survivors report having chronic pain. This study is the first to look at how common chronic pain is for adult survivors of childhood cancer. 

In this issue: 

• Dr. Alberts shares what researchers have learned about chronic pain and how childhood cancer survivors can manage symptoms without medication.  
• Survivor Rachael Bull shares how she copes with pain while pursuing her PhD in biomedical science. Her story is a powerful reminder that resilience and personalized strategies can help you keep moving forward. 
• Drew Sturgeon, PhD, a psychologist from the University of Michigan, explains how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help reduce pain and improve daily life. CBT teaches practical skills to shift how we respond to pain, making it easier to cope. 

 Our goal for LTFU Update is to provide you with knowledge, tools, and hope. Chronic pain is tough, but you don’t have to face it alone. We hope these stories and strategies inspire new possibilities. 

Thank you for taking part in the LTFU Study. You play a critical role in improving the lives of childhood cancer patients and survivors and sharing that information with the world.  You can read about the results of recent studies on our Study Updates webpage. 

As always, let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.  

With warmest wishes, 
Greg Armstrong, MD 
Principal Investigator, Long-Term Follow-Up Study