Pediatric cancer: patients at higher risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease in adulthood

5 times more likely to die from cancer after age 50

Their results were published Tuesday, August 11, in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. They indicate that this group of people has a higher risk of secondary cancers and is five times more likely to die from the disease than the rest of the general population over the age of 50.

They also had a significantly higher risk of heart disease at age 55 than their siblings at age 70. They also had more difficulty exercising and were in poorer general health.

Radiotherapy, the main risk factor

The scientists were also able to determine that radiation therapy was the main risk factor for this population group. No significant health consequences were associated with chemotherapy. "Radiation therapy damages cellular DNA, which can lead to mutations and the development of new cancers," said Dr. Armenian, lead author of the study, in a statement.

The results obtained by the researchers relate to treatments administered in the 1970s and 1980s. Radiotherapy is now avoided when possible, replaced by targeted treatments or immunotherapy.

However, researchers call for greater vigilance regarding these patients. "Some should be screened for diseases such as breast or colon cancer at an earlier age than recommended for the general population," emphasizes Dr. Armenian.

Multiple sclerosis: these warning signs appear years before the first symptoms