Many long-term survivors were diagnosed before genetic testing was commonly offered, but that does not mean it is too late to benefit from it. This article highlights a study showing that some survivors may still carry inherited variants that could affect their future screening, follow-up care, and even family members’ health decisions. It is an encouraging reminder that new information can still make a meaningful difference, even years after treatment.

For many long-term survivors, late effects are not new, but it is encouraging to see the medical literature continuing to validate just how serious and long-lasting they can be. This important article reports that survivors of childhood cancer age 50 and older still face higher risks of second cancers, serious chronic health problems, frailty, and premature death, especially those who were treated with radiation. It is a powerful reminder that these health issues are real, treatment-related, and deserving of lifelong follow-up and screening.

For many survivors who need a valve replacement, one of the biggest questions is how long the new valve will last. This recent HeartValveSurgery.com update shares encouraging 10-year results from the COMMENCE trial, suggesting strong durability for the INSPIRIS RESILIA tissue valve and low rates of repeat surgery. It is hopeful news for survivors looking for reassurance about long-term outcomes.

As more people live many years beyond cancer, it is becoming increasingly clear that survivorship does not end when treatment does. A recent article in Knowable Magazine explores the growing need for better care after cancer, especially for survivors still dealing with lasting effects years later. These can include heart problems, cognitive changes, infertility, second cancers, and emotional challenges. The article is a helpful reminder that survivorship care should be about more than remission. It should also support long-term health,

This risk assessment tool predicts risk of heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and stroke by age 50 among survivors of childhood cancer. It uses information from the CCSS papers, “Individual prediction of heart failure among childhood cancer survivors” and “Prediction of ischemic heart disease and stroke among childhood cancer survivors”, which created clinically useful models with readily available demographic and cancer treatment information.

The Long-Term Follow-Up (LTFU) Study has resulted in more than 300 publications in scientific journals since it was launched in 1994. Some of these articles are summarized here.

You might not think of your spleen that much, but it’s been looking out for you. If you don’t have one, there are some things to know to keep yourself safe from infections.

American Cancer Society released their annual report on cancer facts and trends. The report reveals a milestone 70% 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined for those diagnosed between 2015-2021 in the United States, due to cancer research and treatment advancements. The report acknowledges that with increasing survival rates, there must be more emphasis on survivorship challenges.

Stanford onco-primary care physician and author Dr. Ilana Yurkiewicz turns her national keynote into a practical playbook for anyone navigating a complex medical journey. She pulls back the curtain on how fragmented our health care system really is and offers three actionable strategies to take control of your care.