Survivors of Childhood Cancer Die Earlier than the General Population, but Causes Are Similar

Five-year survival after diagnosis of childhood cancer has reached >85% in the U.S., but survivors have excess morbidity and mortality later in life, often related to delayed effects of treatment. The causes and risk factors for later mortality are not understood completely.

Researchers analyzed longitudinal data from a cohort of 34,000 5-year survivors of childhood cancer (diagnoses at age <21); patients were seen between 1970 and 1999 at 31 U.S. institutions. Data included causes of death, treatment histories, lifestyle factors (i.e., smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and weight), and cardiovascular risk factors.

Forty years after diagnosis, cumulative all-cause mortality among cancer survivors was 23%, compared with 5% in the compar…