Breast Cancer Survivors Face Elevated Risks of Second Cancers, Study Finds

Researchers have discovered that survivors of breast cancer, both females and males, face significantly higher risks of developing second primary cancers (SPCs), with certain socio-demographic and tumor-related factors potentially contributing to this increased vulnerability. This groundbreaking study, analyzing the health data of 584,965 breast cancer survivors in England over a period of 25 years, highlights the importance of vigilant long-term surveillance for these individuals.

The cohort consisting of 581,403 female and 3,562 male survivors diagnosed with breast cancer between 1995 and 2019 was utilized in the study. Published by researchers from the National Disease Registration Service and various UK universities and medical institutions, the study's findings are critical for the enhanced clinical management of an increasing number of breast cancer survivors.

According to the standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) calculated, there was an approximately doubled risk of developing cancer in the contralateral breast for both females (SIR: 2.02) and males, although the risk for males was alarmingly higher (SIR: 55.4). Non-breast SPC risks also increased by 10 percent for both genders. It was noted that younger females diagnosed before the age of 50 and females living in more socioeconomically deprived areas had particularly heightened risks.

The large-scale investigation, funded through grants from Cancer Research UK and supported by the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, indicates a need for tailored surveillance to detect SPCs early, particularly in the contralateral breast, endometrium, and prostate. However, specific healthcare recommendations will require further detailed risk assessments and consideration of the cost-benefit aspects of enhanced screening protocols.

The results also suggest a link between socioeconomic deprivation and increased risk of SPCs, pointing to potential disparities in healthcare outcomes. The study was published in "The Lancet Regional Health - Europe" and can be accessed online at The Lancet.

This study underscores the intricate interplay between genetics, treatment history, and socio-demographic factors in the long-term health outcomes of breast cancer survivors. By offering a more nuanced understanding of SPC risks, healthcare providers can develop more effective strategies for monitoring and managing these risks in breast cancer patients.

For further information or to read the full study, please refer to the original publication:

Allen I, et al. Risks of second primary cancers among 584,965 female and male breast cancer survivors in England: a 25-year retrospective cohort study. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe; 2024, 40: 100903. [Published Online April 24, 2024]. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100903.

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