Childhood cancer survivors face accelerated aging, with studies showing they develop serious health conditions nearly 18 years earlier than the general population. Even without radiation therapy, survivors remain at higher risk for secondary cancers and cardiovascular disease, underscoring the lasting impact of chemotherapy and other treatments. While survival rates have improved and new guidelines, care tools, and therapies are helping, long-term risks persist, making lifelong follow-up and protective strategies essential.

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital heart defect present at birth. However, it is often asymptomatic into adulthood. Without symptoms, most patients with a bicuspid aortic valve will be in a “watchful waiting” phase with regular medical testing to monitor for progressing aortic stenosis or regurgitation. A bicuspid aortic valve makes the heart work harder and symptoms may develop. Surgery to repair or replace the a bicuspid aortic valve can be necessary. Timing the surgery is different for every patient,

A new AI program developed at Cedars‑Sinai’s Smidt Heart Institute can detect early signs of tricuspid valve disease through routine echocardiograms, with accuracy on par with expert cardiologists. Trained on over 47,000 echo scans from 2011 to 2021, it can now classify disease severity from mild to severe. This advancement could help clinicians spot and treat valve problems earlier, giving patients a better shot at timely care and improved outcomes.

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.

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.

WNYC’s Brian Lehrer Show featured an insightful panel discussion on the current landscape of cancer research in the United States.

The University of Cincinnati has launched one of the first oncology-focused primary care clinics specifically for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors, those diagnosed between the ages 18 and 39. This new model addresses the complex, long-term health risks survivors face, including second cancers, heart disease, and emotional challenges, by combining oncology knowledge with general preventive care. Early data shows high rates of chronic conditions and a strong need for coordinated, survivor-centered care.

Many cancer survivors experience fatigue and depression after treatment, and a new study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research’s annual meeting highlights just how common it is, especially among women.