does Breast Cancer Treatment Increase the Risk of Other Cancers?
A recent study has investigated the potential link between breast cancer treatments and the development of secondary cancers. Researchers analyzed data from women diagnosed with early invasive breast cancer to understand how different therapies – surgery, radiation, endocrine therapy, and chemotherapy – might influence the risk of developing new cancers later in life.
The study focused on women who initially underwent either breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. Participants were then grouped based on the adjuvant therapy (treatment following surgery) they received. The findings revealed specific associations between treatment types and secondary cancer risks.
Radiation therapy was linked to higher rates of contralateral breast cancer (cancer in the other breast) and lung cancer.Conversely, endocrine (hormone) therapy was associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer, but a decreased risk of contralateral breast cancer. Chemotherapy was tied to an increased risk of acute leukemia.
Despite these findings, experts emphasize that the benefits of breast cancer treatment generally outweigh the small increased risks. Dr. Richard sullivan, department and consultant clinical oncologist at the University of Oxford in England, notes that these additional risks are “small in comparison to the risks of recurrence and breast cancer death” for most women diagnosed with early invasive breast cancer, even considering recent improvements in treatment.
Improvements in treatment delivery are also mitigating some risks. such as, Dr. Hope Rugo, division chief of breast medical oncology at City of Hope in Duarte, california, explains that radiation techniques have evolved. Previously, radiation was delivered in a way that frequently enough exposed the lungs; now, radiation is delivered more precisely to isolate the breast and protect surrounding tissues.
Regarding endocrine therapies like tamoxifen, researchers acknowledge a small increased risk of uterine cancer – less than 1 percent of patients – but emphasize that doctors closely monitor patients on these drugs and intervene early to address any uterine changes.
Researchers did acknowledge limitations within the study.Data on adjuvant treatments were incomplete in some areas, and information regarding family history, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle factors like smoking was lacking.The study population was also not fully representative, with less than 5 percent of participants identifying as nonwhite and no inclusion of men. Moreover, as an observational study, it demonstrated a link between treatments and secondary cancers, but could not prove causation.
ultimately, researchers, like Dr. Mouabbi, stress the importance of treatment in preventing cancer recurrence and the overall benefit it provides, stating, “It’s vital to note that the treatment is what’s preventing other cancers from popping up.”
