A major new study from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study shows that AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) cancer survivors continue to face excess health risks well into their 50s and beyond. Even decades after treatment, conditions like heart disease, frailty, and other chronic illnesses remain more common among survivors than in the general population. This is especially important for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors who were treated as teens or young adults and may not have regular follow-up care today.

For many survivors, the cancer experience changes everything. But alongside the fear and grief, it can also bring unexpected growth—stronger relationships, a clearer sense of purpose, and a deeper appreciation for life.

Cancer survivors face a 14% higher risk of developing entirely new cancers (secondary malignancies) compared to the general population, and they account for nearly 19% of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S. Oncology Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) highlight that past treatments, especially radiation and certain chemotherapies like alkylating agents, platinum-based drugs, anthracycline topoisomerase II inhibitors, and even targeted therapies, can contribute to long-term risk.

New research from a large study in Denmark and Sweden, shows that adult survivors of childhood cancer, including those treated for Hodgkin lymphoma, may be at greater risk for severe illness from COVID-19. This increased vulnerability is likely linked to lasting effects from cancer treatments, such as weakened immune systems or damage to organs like the lungs and heart.

For people newly diagnosed with advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma, choosing a first-line treatment can feel overwhelming. This article reviews the most widely used treatments, outlining how they compare in terms of both effectiveness and long-term side effects. The goal is not just remission but also protecting the quality of life for years to come.

Many long-term Hodgkin lymphoma survivors face an increased risk of developing secondary cancers, often as a result of earlier treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. These risks can emerge years or even decades after treatment, making ongoing awareness and screening a critical part of survivorship care.

A collaboration between ASCO and the American Cancer Society confirms that the answer is YES. Treatments like anthracyclines, chest radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy can place significant stress on the heart, increasing the risk of long-term issues such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or even heart failure.

A promising approach featured in the article is survivorship-focused primary care, where physicians trained in both oncology and internal medicine provide ongoing, comprehensive care. Early results show this model improves screening, identifies late effects sooner, and enhances quality of life. For Hodgkin lymphoma survivors, who often face serious late effects years or decades after treatment, this kind of care could be life‑saving.

The work of Hodgkin’s International was prominently mentioned, as was our symposium in Boston on the late effects of cancer treatment.

Accelerated aging is defined as a phenomenon where the biological (physiological) age exceeds chronological age. Clinically, accelerated aging phenotypes in cancer survivors include the premature development of subsequent neoplasms, frailty, chronic organ dysfunction, and cognitive impairment, all of which can impact long-term health and lifespan in survivors of cancer.