MIT researcher Regina Barzilay and her team developed an AI model called MIRAI that analyzes mammograms for subtle patterns associated with future breast cancer and estimates a patient’s risk up to five years into the future. The model has now been validated on roughly 2 million mammograms across 48 hospitals in 22 countries. What makes this especially interesting from a cancer survivorship perspective is the possibility of moving away from a one size fits all approach to screening and toward care based on individual risk.

A problem-solving skills training intervention reduced symptoms of stress and anxiety compared with usual care for young adults with cancer, according to results of a randomized trial presented at ASCO Annual Meeting.

A collaboration between ASCO and the American Cancer Society confirms that the answer is YES. Treatments like anthracyclines, chest radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy can place significant stress on the heart, increasing the risk of long-term issues such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or even heart failure.

A promising approach featured in the article is survivorship-focused primary care, where physicians trained in both oncology and internal medicine provide ongoing, comprehensive care. Early results show this model improves screening, identifies late effects sooner, and enhances quality of life. For Hodgkin lymphoma survivors, who often face serious late effects years or decades after treatment, this kind of care could be life‑saving.

The work of Hodgkin’s International was prominently mentioned, as was our symposium in Boston on the late effects of cancer treatment.

Many side effects from cancer treatment get better once treatment is over. Sometimes, side effects may linger after treatment and cause long-term problems.

Accelerated aging is defined as a phenomenon where the biological (physiological) age exceeds chronological age. Clinically, accelerated aging phenotypes in cancer survivors include the premature development of subsequent neoplasms, frailty, chronic organ dysfunction, and cognitive impairment, all of which can impact long-term health and lifespan in survivors of cancer.

The results of this recent study show that only about one-third of childhood cancer survivors adhered to follow-up recommendations regarding late effects. This finding is indeed alarming but probably not surprising to many long-term survivors.

This article focuses on the emotional benefits of physical activity, particularly regarding depression – a common late effect of cancer survivorship. From the study: “Results showed statistically significant improvement in self-reported depression 1 month — and as long as 6 to 12 months — after completion of an aerobic physical activity intervention compared with usual care or no intervention.”

Unfortunately, many Hodgkin’s survivors have been diagnosed with breast cancer as a result of their earlier treatment. Arm symptoms, including pain, swelling, and limited movement, can be a nagging issue for these survivors, adding to what may be a long list of post-cancer ailments.