The risk of developing a second primary cancer after being treated for early invasive breast cancer is only slightly higher than the general population, according to a new study.
Some reassuring news for early breast cancer survivors worried about their future cancer risks.
A new study finds their odds of developing a secondary cancer are only slightly higher than the general population.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly half a million women, ages 20 to 75, who were treated for early invasive breast cancer and followed for up to 20 years.
The results… about 14% developed another type of cancer—mainly lung, uterine, or colon cancer. That’s roughly 2% higher than the general population.
Nearly 6% developed cancer in the opposite breast, around 3% more than expected. Younger women were more likely than older women to experience cancer in the opposite breast.
The study also found that treatment type played a role: radiation therapy was linked to a slightly higher risk of lung cancer, hormone therapy to uterine cancer, and chemotherapy to leukemia.
However, the researchers stress the benefits of these treatments far outweigh the small added risks.
Overall, the authors say these findings should offer patients some reassurance and help women and their doctors make more informed decisions about long-term care.
Source: The BMJ
Author Affiliations: University of Oxford, University of Exeter Medical School, NHS England
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