It is widely recognized that individuals who have survived cancer are at a higher risk of developing age-related diseases, including unrelated cancers. Researchers have identified a potential socioeconomic component in addition to the biological factors contributing to this phenomenon. Cancer survivors experience accelerated aging later in life, leading to an increased susceptibility to various age-related ailments. Unfortunately, traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can have long-lasting, adverse effects on patients. Even newer immunotherapies, while more efficient, may result in lasting disruptions to immune function for some individuals, posing future health challenges. Studies are underway to explore the use of senolytic drugs to eliminate senescent cells, which could potentially mitigate these risks. This avenue of research shows promise in addressing the complications faced by cancer survivors in the long term.
Since 1958, Sweden has maintained a National Cancer Register, which has enabled researchers to analyze data from individuals who survived cancer as children, adolescents, or adults. Over a span of 63 years, approximately 65,000 cancer survivors under the age of 25 were compared to a control group of 313,000 individuals, with matching characteristics. The findings revealed that cancer survivors had a significantly higher risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and incidents like accidents, poisoning, or suicide. The current standard of follow-up care for cancer survivors may need to be reevaluated based on the results of this study and others like it.
Link: https://liu.se/en/news-item/canceroverlevare-har-okad-risk-for-sjukdomar-livet-ut
