Premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in childhood cancer survivors

• Published in: Progress in pediatric cardiology Vol. 39; no. 2; pp. 59 - 66
• Main Authors: Shepard, Charles W, Steinberger, Julia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01-11-2015
• Subjects: Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular; Cardiovascular disease; Childhood cancer survivors; Growth hormone; Metabolic syndrome; Pediatrics; Cardiovascular disease; Childhood cancer survivors; Growth hormone; Metabolic syndrome; Atherosclerosis; metabolic syndrome; cardiovascular disease; growth hormone; childhood cancer survivors
• ISSN: 1058-9813; 1558-1519
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2015.10.001

Abstract Survival rates of childhood cancer have increased over the last 30 years, revealing a population with unique characteristics and risks. The effects of radiation and cardiotoxic chemotherapy predispose these children to both early and late cardiovascular disease. Cranial radiation also increases the likelihood of growth hormone deficiency, which leads to metabolic disturbances. Childhood cancer survivors are less likely to be active than their healthy siblings, and have a lower aptitude for physical activity. These issues are additive to the usual risks experienced by the general population, thereby significantly increasing the likelihood of premature cardiovascular disease. Early and regular screening and risk factor management in this population is recommended.