How Childhood Cancer Survivors Age

More people than ever are living long, full lives after childhood cancer. Scientists are studying how past cancer treatment can affect survivors as they reach their 50s, 60s, and beyond.   

A new report from the Long-Term Follow-Up (LTFU) Study looks at the health of childhood cancer survivors who are age 50 years or older. 

LTFU Update interviewed Rusha Bhandari, MD, MS, of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California. She was 1 of the study’s leaders. She shares what the team learned and how survivors can use this information to stay healthy as they age. 

“These findings help us better understand how childhood cancer survivors’ health risks can change over time and highlight the importance of ongoing medical care and good health habits,” Bhandari says.  

Survivors face higher health risks later in life 

The study found survivors over 50 were more likely than their peers to have: 

• Chronic health problems 
• New cancers 
• Signs of early aging  

Radiation treatment affects long-term health 

Older survivors who had radiation showed higher risks of certain health problems than the general public. But survivors who did not have radiation had risks like people their age who never had childhood cancer. 

This finding suggests that newer treatments that use less radiation may lower long-term risks for children treated today. But doctors are still learning about the effects of these newer treatments.  

Survivors who had radiation decades ago had higher risks for: 

• Second cancers 
• Early aging symptoms like feeling less able to get around, having less energy, or noticing health problems earlier than expected 

“As childhood cancer survivors reach their 50s and beyond, we are learning that some health risks from treatment can continue decades later,” Bhandari says. “What stood out most was that these increased risks were mainly in survivors who had radiation as part of their treatment long ago.” 

Frailty in childhood cancer survivors 

Childhood cancer treatment can lead to early development of a medical condition called frailty. Frailty means your body does not have as much strength or energy as it used to. When someone is frail, their body cannot handle stress as well. Stress can include getting sick or facing physical or emotional challenges. This can make daily tasks feel harder or more tiring. 

Signs of frailty include: 

• Feeling weaker than before 
• Slower walking or movement 
• Getting tired more easily 
• Changes in hand (grip) strength 

These signs can appear earlier in childhood cancer survivors when compared to people of the same age who have not experienced cancer.  

What survivors can do to support healthy aging 

There is good news: You can act today to protect your health.  

Focus on basic healthy habits 

Even small changes will help: 

• Eat healthy foods when possible 
• Get good sleep 
• Care for your mental health 
• Stay connected with friends and family 

These habits support the body and mind and may help slow aging. 

“Survivors today can take steps to stay healthier as they age. Regular checkups, including survivorship-specific screening for late effects, staying active when possible, eating healthy foods, and caring for mental health, can all make a real difference,” Bhandari says. 

Share this information with your care providers to discuss ways to improve your health.   

A message of hope 

Bhandari wants survivors to know that their involvement in the Long-Term Follow-Up (LTFU) Study makes this research possible. 

“Your experiences are helping us learn how to prevent and manage late effects so survivors can live even healthier lives,” Bhandari says. “What we learn today shapes how we treat patients. And none of it is possible without the dedication and partnership of our survivors.”