Childhood Cancer Survivors at Higher Risk for Major Surgeries Later in Life

Childhood cancer is a tragic reality for many families, and while the medical community has made strides in treating cancer, there are long-term side effects of treatment that need to be addressed. According to a recent study, childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk for major surgeries later in life. In this blog post, we will discuss the findings of the study, possible reasons for the increased risk, and what can be done to address these concerns.

The Study Findings

The study, which was conducted by the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, followed 3,949 childhood cancer survivors for an average of 30 years. The researchers found that survivors of childhood cancer were more likely to undergo major surgeries later in life than those who had not had the disease. Specifically, childhood cancer survivors were at a 38% increased risk of having a major surgery compared to the general population.

Possible Reasons for the Risk

There are several reasons why childhood cancer survivors may be at a higher risk for major surgeries later in life. First, many childhood cancer treatments can have long-term side effects on the body, some of which may not show up until years later. For example, certain chemotherapy drugs can damage internal organs, which may require surgery to repair.

Second, childhood cancer survivors may also be at a higher risk for other health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, all of which can increase the likelihood of surgery. Additionally, some childhood cancer survivors may have had surgery to remove the cancer itself, which can increase the risk of complications and the need for additional surgeries.

Addressing the Concerns

While this study paints a concerning picture of the long-term effects of childhood cancer on survivors, there are steps that can be taken to address these concerns. First and foremost, regular follow-up care is essential for childhood cancer survivors. This means scheduling regular check-ups with their oncologist and primary care physician to monitor for any late effects of treatment.

In addition to regular follow-up care, childhood cancer survivors can also take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, childhood cancer survivors may be able to reduce their risk of developing health problems that require surgery.

Summary

Childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk for major surgeries later in life, according to a recent study. The increased risk may be due to long-term side effects of cancer treatment and other health problems that survivors may be more susceptible to. Regular follow-up care and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of surgery for childhood cancer survivors. It is important to recognize the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to take proactive steps to address the concerns. #childhoodcancer #survivors #surgery #cancertreatment #followupcare #HEALTH