Survivors of teen and young-adult cancers may feel they’ve dodged a bullet, but they’re not totally in the clear. A new study reveals a high risk of developing and dying from new cancers later on.
These young people require close monitoring, according to researchers at the American Cancer Society.
“The risk of subsequent primary cancer among cancer survivors has been extensively studied among childhood cancer survivors, but relatively less is known about AYA [adolescent and young-adult] cancer survivors,” says lead author Hyuna Sung, a scientist at the cancer society.
“These results strongly stress the need to expand research on and strengthen efforts for surveillance of subsequent cancers among childhood and AYA cancer survivors,” Sung added in a cancer society news release.
It will also be important to develop age-specific prevention strategies in this growing population of cancer survivors, Sung adds.
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For the study, the researchers analyzed data from more than 170,000 U.S. patients diagnosed with one of 29 types of cancer, at ages 15 to 39, between 1975 and 2013. All were five-year survivors.
Thirty-five years after their initial diagnosis, one in seven of the survivors developed a new primary cancer and one in 16 died from a new cancer, the study authors said.
Compared to the general population, the cancer survivors had a 25% higher risk of cancer diagnosis and an 84% higher risk of cancer death.
There was significant variation between the first cancer type and the types of subsequent primary cancer and the level of the risk, the investigators found.
Female breast, lung, and colon cancers accounted for 36% of all subsequent cancers and 39% of all subsequent cancer deaths. Lung cancer accounted for 11% of all subsequent cancers and 24% of all deaths from subsequent cancers.
“These findings underscore the critical role of providing high-quality post-treatment survivorship care to reduce the risk of
subsequent cancers,” Sung notes.
“Given the younger age at diagnosis, there often should be more opportunities for prevention and early detection of subsequent cancers in this survivor group,” she adds.
One of the best ways to prevent yourself from developing another form of cancer later in life is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
As a cancer survivor, it is important to take care of your mind and body and eliminate stress from your life wherever possible. Relaxation exercises, meditation, and yoga are all good ways to manage stress. Family and friends and online and in-person support groups can also offer an additional kind of help if you need it.
For those looking to build strength and endurance, moderate exercises such as walking, biking, or swimming are great options. Just be sure to check with your doctor to ensure these are safe for you to do.
After your treatment, it will also be important to make sure you are eating well. A nutritious diet can help you regain strength, rebuild tissue, and feel better overall, NIH Medline Plus notes.
Here are some tips for healthy eating:
If you are worried about the symptoms you’re experiencing or are anxious about the recurrence of cancer, it is important to speak up. Your health care team can help you determine the chances of cancer recurrence. Whatsmore, discussing your concerns with your care team can help calm your fears.
Next time you feel anxious, write down how you’re feeling and your questions so that you can remember to address them at your next appointment.
If you notice that your fear of cancer recurrence is interfering with your daily life, consider reaching out to a counselor or therapist that specializes in treating cancer survivors.
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