A recent study conducted by cancer experts underscores the necessity for increased support and screening for individuals who survived cancer during their teenage and young adult years. These survivors are at a higher risk of developing cancer again later in life.
Miranda Fidler-Benaoudia, a cancer epidemiologist at the University of Calgary and Cancer Care Alberta and the senior author of the study, highlighted that the research focused on tracking the occurrence of new cancers, not recurrences of the original disease, in patients in Alberta initially diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on Monday, revealed that these individuals were twice as likely to develop another cancer compared to the general population.
Fidler-Benaoudia pointed out that one of the primary suspected causes of subsequent cancers is the treatment administered for the initial cancer. She emphasized the delicate balance between curing the disease and maintaining long-term quality of life, noting that radiation, a common cancer treatment, can increase the risk of developing cancer. Additionally, certain chemotherapy and hormone therapies used in cancer treatment may also contribute to the risk of developing cancer later in life.
As cancer treatments advance, there is hope that they will become less likely to have carcinogenic effects, Fidler-Benaoudia explained. The increased risk of developing another cancer is not solely attributed to past treatments but can also be influenced by genetic factors.
The study analyzed data from the Alberta Cancer Registry spanning from January 1, 1983, to December 31, 2017, focusing on 24,459 cancer survivors from adolescence and early adulthood. Among these survivors, 1,442 individuals developed another cancer, whereas in a general population cohort of similar size, only 643 cases would be expected, according to Fidler-Benaoudia. The most common subsequent cancers among these survivors were breast, colorectal, and lung cancers.
The researchers noted a 1.3% annual increase in cancer among young people in Canada. They recommended that provincial governments consider implementing cancer screening at younger ages for survivors to detect subsequent cancers early. Dr. Abha Gupta, the medical director of the adolescent and young adult oncology program at University Health Network’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, emphasized the critical nature of screening programs specifically tailored to this population.
Gupta highlighted the increased risk of radiation-associated breast cancer among females who underwent chest radiation for cancer treatment before age 30. She noted that advancements in radiation treatment have reduced risks compared to those in past decades, emphasizing the importance of considering individual exposure levels when assessing cancer risks.
Patients in the 15 to 39 age group require tailored programs and support to address their unique needs, Gupta emphasized. Psychological support, provided by a team of professionals, is crucial for patients grappling with the fear of cancer recurrence and the heightened risk of developing another cancer in the future. Gupta advocated for peer support initiatives to help patients share their experiences and cope with their challenges.
In recent years, several adolescent and young adult cancer programs have been established in cancer centers across Canada, Gupta noted, underscoring the growing recognition of the importance of specialized support for this demographic.
This content is supported through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association, and CP is solely responsible for its creation.
