Why do some treatments cause secondary cancers later in life?

 

Q: Why do some treatments cause secondary cancers later in life?

A: New cancers, not related to your original cancer, may develop months or years after your treatment ends. Certain chemotherapy and radiation treatments increase your risk of developing these secondary malignancies. Such treatments kill cancer cells, but they also may disrupt normal cells and lead to cancer.

Your health care team will work to define your recurrence risk level so that you receive only the amount of treatment you need. Discuss your concerns regarding the risk of developing a secondary cancer with your doctor.
--Kathy Newman, RN, BSN

Find out how to manage other long-term side effects.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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