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Child Cancer Survivors Risk Heart Trouble Years Later

Weakening starts to show in young adults

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 28, 2009 8:10 AM CDT

(Newser) – Kids who’ve conquered cancer can end up battling the effects of treatment years later as young adults, the Wall Street Journal reports. Some 10% of kids treated with drugs called anthracyclines, powerful against leukemia and other cancers, later suffer from progressive  weakening of the heart that can lead to congestive heart failure. “Many survivors don’t have a clue” about what treatments can do in the long run, says an oncologist.

Doctors say those who received anthracycline treatments or radiation as kids should get their hearts checked regularly. Some exhibit symptoms like shortness of breath or exhaustion, but in other cases, the first sign of trouble could be arrythmia causing sudden death. In women, cardiac trouble may first appear during pregnancy.

Cancer treatments in children can pose a risk years later.
Cancer treatments in children can pose a risk years later.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Unaffiliated
Jul 28, 2009 2:41 AM CDT
Happened to a family member of mine. He survived Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment as an 18-year-old, went on to have 2 boys with his wife despite doctors no knowing whether he'd be able to have kids, and then died suddenly at 39 of heart failure just 2 months after the younger one was born.
Mad
Jul 28, 2009 1:58 AM CDT
The fact they discovered this link between childhood treatment and later onset heart disease indicates scientist are, indeed, searching for a better way. Many cancers are much more treatable and livable then they were just a few years ago., yet I doubt we shall ever 'cure' cancer
littleoopie
Jul 28, 2009 1:29 AM CDT
It's scary what 'cures' can do. I wish I was a scientist and could search for a better way to help children with diseases. If anyone needs help it's them. Even if they survive, now they have this to look forward to.

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