Risk for 2nd Cancers High for Young Survivors, Study Finds

LEWISVILLE, Texas - Jan. 26, 2016 - PRLog -- Making it to the five-year mark without recurrence is generally reason for cancer survivors to celebrate. Those who have fought the disease at a young age, however, shouldn’t necessarily let their guard down – ever.

That’s according to a new study based on analysis of data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute. Researchers found that people who survived cancer before the age of 40 were much more likely to experience the formation of second and even third cancers in their lifetimes than others.

“The study found that almost 14 percent of survivors developed a second form of cancer over the course of the analysis that looked at records going back 30 years,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology. “While that’s a relatively small percentage of survivors, the findings serve as a strong call for young cancer survivors to keep up with follow-up appointments and routine screening well after that five-year mark has passed.”

The study found that most second cancers tended to present within the first 15 years after the first. It’s important to note that second cancers were also found to be about 10 percent more likely to develop in those treated for cancer after the age of 40. The study also revealed that some cancers were more common than others to develop in young survivors. They included genital, breast and gastrointestinal. Patients treated with radiation were also more likely to develop a second cancer. Third cancers were also not unheard of.

“The bottom line is that reaching the five-year mark is certainly something to celebrate, but it doesn’t mean caution should be thrown to the wind,” says Dr. Echt. “People who have been diagnosed with cancer in the past and treated for it need to stay on top of any recommended follow-ups and screening procedures. As it is with first cancers, second cancer is often much more treatable if detected early.”

About Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group

The Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group (http://lewisvilleflowermoundoncology.com/about-us/) has state-of-the-art facilities that offer individualized care to patients throughout North Texas. With a team of expert oncologists and other specialists on staff, the Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group treats a variety of cancers and blood disorders with an eye towards the newest advancements available in diagnostic technology and treatments.