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of developing breast cancer as they get older, compared to women their same age in … The risk of secondary breast cancer is related to the dose of …

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Health Link
Healthy living after treatment for childhood cancer
Breast Cancer
Version 2.0 - 3/06
Copyright 2006 . Children’s Oncology Group
All rights reserved worldwide Page 1 of 4
You have successfully been treated for cancer during childhood or adolescence and
are now moving forward with your life - so the last thing you want to be reminded about
is the risk of developing another cancer during adulthood. For a variety of reasons, the
risk of cancer increases for everyone as they age. Depending on the specific treatment
you received for childhood cancer, you may be at increased risk for developing breast
cancer. It is important to understand that risk, so that you can take steps to protect your
health.
What are the risk factors?
Several studies have shown that women treated with radiation to the chest for
cancer during childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood have an increased risk
of developing breast cancer as they get older, compared to women their same age in
the general population. The risk of secondary breast cancer is related to the dose of
radiation. People treated with higher doses of radiation have the highest risk.
Researchers are studying this problem to better understand…