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.

Here is a fascinating look at cancer survival rates, innovations for treatment, and access to services around the world.

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.

In a heartfelt reflection, Cancer Fighters Specialist Avery Garn explores the emotional complexity of cancer survivorship. Survivors often carry both joy and sorrow—celebrating milestones while remembering the difficult journey it took to get there.

Insomnia is one of the most common late effects of cancer treatment, yet it is often overlooked in survivorship care. Fewer than half of NCI-designated cancer centers routinely screen for sleep problems, and many oncologists and nurses rarely ask about it. As a result, fewer than one in five survivors struggling with sleep ever mention it to their care team. Effective treatments for insomnia do exist, but they are not always discussed due to lack of time, knowledge, or resources.

Dr. Keith Bellizzi, a four-time cancer survivor and psycho-oncology researcher, shares lessons on resilience and survivorship. He highlights focusing on what you can control, managing emotions, and pausing to conserve energy as key strategies. Ultimately, he believes cancer is “beaten” by living with purpose and passion, on one’s own terms.