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Secondary cancers from breast cancer treatment?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008

Question from MEdwards: Are any secondary cancers associated with the therapies for breast cancer long-term?: Answer —Carol Kaplan, M.D.: Unfortunately, there is a risk of what we call secondary cancer related to various breast cancer therapies. However, I'd like to point out that this risk is very, very low. Specifically, chemotherapy can bring with it a small risk of bone marrow cancer or leukemia years later. This is why it's important for you to discuss the benefit-to-risk ratio of your treatment with your oncologist. Additionally, tamoxifen has a well-defined but low risk of causing what is almost always an early-stage, treatable uterine cancer. Finally, radiation therapy can bring with it a risk of soft tissue tumors down the road. I'd like to say one more time, however, that cumulatively, these risks are very low.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2008 our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting. Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. and Carol Kaplan, M.D. answered your questions about the latest research advances on screening, treatment, side effects, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. is the director of the Cooper Cancer Institute and heads the division of hematology/medical oncology at Cooper University Hospital.

Carol Kaplan, M.D. is an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Rena Rowan Breast Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her work revolves around the clinical care of breast cancer patients, as well as teaching medical students and house staff.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

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