Teen and Young Adult Cancer Survivors Face Double the Risk of Developing Later Cancers

Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reveals that survivors of cancer during their teen and young adult years face twice the risk of developing most types of subsequent cancers compared to the general population. The Alberta-based study highlights that these primary neoplasms—new cancers that develop after an earlier cancer—are a known late effect of previous cancers, often occurring because of the effects of cancer treatment. The findings underscore the need for long-term surveillance and monitoring of this vulnerable demographic throughout their lives.

Increased cancer risk for teen and young adult survivors

• ▪Survivors of cancer in their teen and young adult years are at double the risk of most types of later cancers.
• ▪Research from Alberta on teen and young adult cancer survivors was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Primary neoplasms as treatment-related late effects

• ▪Primary neoplasms are new cancers that develop after an earlier cancer.
• ▪Primary neoplasms are a known late effect of previous cancers.
• ▪Primary neoplasms often occur because of the effects of cancer treatment.

Perspective of Teen and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

• ▪Cancer treatment received during teen and young adult years creates lasting health vulnerabilities for survivors.
• ▪Teen and young adult cancer survivors require ongoing monitoring for potential subsequent cancers throughout their lives.

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