Cambridge, England – Female survivors of breast cancer in economically disadvantaged areas face a 35% higher risk of developing second, unrelated cancers compared to those in more affluent areas, new research reveals. This study sheds light on the increased susceptibility to secondary cancers among breast cancer survivors, highlighting the impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes.
Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United Kingdom, with approximately 56,000 new cases reported each year. Thanks to advancements in diagnosis and treatment, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer patients in England now stands at 86%.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge conducted a comprehensive analysis of National Health Service (NHS) data from nearly 600,000 patients in England. Their findings revealed that female breast cancer survivors had a heightened risk of developing 12 other primary cancers, including cancer in the contralateral breast, endometrial cancer, myeloid leukemia, and ovarian cancer.
The study, published in Lancet Regional Health – Europe, also highlighted a correlation between socioeconomic deprivation and an increased risk of second primary cancers among breast cancer survivors. Individuals residing in more deprived areas were found to have a significantly higher risk of developing non-breast cancers following a breast cancer diagnosis.
Factors such as smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption, which are more prevalent in deprived communities, may contribute to the elevated risk of secondary cancers among breast cancer survivors. Further research is essential to pinpoint the specific factors driving these disparities and develop strategies to mitigate them.
In addition to assessing female breast cancer survivors, the study also examined the risk of second primary cancers in a cohort of over 3,500 male breast cancer survivors. Male survivors were found to have a considerably higher likelihood of developing contralateral breast cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer compared to the general male population.
Experts in the field, including oncologist Prof. Pat Price and Dr. Simon Vincent from Breast Cancer Now, emphasized the urgent need for tailored interventions to address the disparities in cancer outcomes based on socioeconomic status. The findings underscore the importance of continued research to understand the underlying reasons for the increased risk of secondary cancers among breast cancer survivors and to improve post-treatment care protocols.