Diabetes Mellitus in Long-term Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Abstract

As a result of their curative therapies, childhood cancer survivors face an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We recently reported that by 30 years after diagnosis, almost three-fourths of survivors will have a chronic health condition, including 42.4% with a severe, disabling, or life-threatening condition or death due to a chronic condition.¹ Furthermore, survivors frequently suffer from multiple conditions. Among long-term childhood cancer survivors, Mertens et al² reported a standardized mortality ratio of 7.0 for deaths due to cardiovascular disease. Importantly, most childhood cancer survivors worldwide are still relatively young, with only a small percentage beyond their fifth decade of life.