Survivors of childhood cancer risk second malignancy

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Children who are treated for soft tissue sarcomas run a risk of developing a second cancer in later life.
The treatment of childhood cancer has improved dramatically in recent years. Many are surviving who would otherwise have not. Studies on these survivors has, however, revealed a higher risk of developing another cancer in later life.

A team at the National Cancer Institute has carried out one of the largest studies of this issue, covering 1499 children. They found that those who had survived a soft tissue sarcoma in childhood had six times the risk of developing another cancer, compared to the general population. Around three per cent of survivors, say the researchers, would go on to develop a second cancer within 20 years of their initial diagnosis.

This risk was highest within the first five years and females had a slightly higher risk than males. Many of these cancers may be related to the treatment given for the first cancer. However, genetic factors may also be involved. Clearly it is important to monitor childhood cancer survivors for signs of a second cancer in later life.

Source
Cancer online 25th April 2005 (print version 1st June)