Thesis Remy Merkx: Advanced echocardiography in childhood cancer survivors: Fingerprinting the heart

Clinical background Cancer and cardiovascular disease are among the most prevalent causes of death in developed countries, and, typically, diseases of the ageing population. In childhood, cancer is a relatively rare disease, with around 600 yearly diagnoses in the Netherlands. Survival rates are high and, consequently, the population of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) is growing. However, CCS face an elevated risk of premature cardiovascular disease later in life.