Unveiling the Silent Struggles: The Hidden Costs of Long-Term Cancer Survival

Alique Topalian from the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center recently shared her story about living with chronic health issues as a cancer survivor. At just four years old, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Over the years, she has faced various challenges, including a weakened immune system, learning difficulties, high blood pressure, and constant fainting spells. Lately, she’s been dealing with an unexplained fever that stays around 100.4°F.

Topalian’s journey shines a light on the many long-term effects that childhood cancer survivors face. These challenges can often feel like accelerated aging. Now, she’s dedicated to improving the care for survivors, presenting her findings at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. Her research emphasizes the need for specialized follow-up care long after treatment ends.

In her studies, Topalian discovered that about 10% of patients at the Cancer Center’s oncology primary care clinic had cancer during their adolescent or young adult years. Alarmingly, 14% of these patients had a second primary cancer, and 60% suffered from cardiovascular issues like hypertension. Additionally, many experienced neurological, endocrine, and psychological problems.

“When we’re living decades post-treatment, we need providers who know how to handle what might happen. A lot of us don’t even know what can happen,” Topalian explains. She advocates for a system that provides lifelong care since cancer’s impact doesn’t vanish once treatment is over.

This need for ongoing care aligns with recent studies. Research shows that childhood cancer survivors often have health conditions that resemble aging-related issues at a much younger age. A study from the Children’s Oncology Group found that these survivors face higher risks of heart disease and secondary cancers compared to the general population.

As more young people survive cancer, it’s essential to create support systems that address their long-term health. Social media has also become a platform for survivors to share their experiences, offering community support and raising awareness. Many users highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and specialized care tailored to their unique needs.

If you want to dive deeper into Topalian’s findings, check out the full article on Medscape here.

Topalian also discussed her research with MedicalResearch.com. You can read that interview here.

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