Here is some good news for Hodgkin’s survivors who suffer from cardiac failure due to aortic valve regurgitation – a common late effect for those who had chest radiation. The forward progression of this trial could ultimately mean that there are additional, far less invasive (and grueling!) options for open-heart surgery (SAVR). Hodgkin’s survivors often have complicating co-morbidities when it comes to surgical valve replacement procedures, making the use of TAVR a welcome choice.

This article summarizes a study using data collected from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. It affirms that long-term cancer survivors, even those who are decades beyond treatment, continue to have a fear of recurrence. This research went beyond merely compiling statistics. It looked at some of the predictors and risk factors as well as interventions to help survivors manage these fears.

According to a research study published in the International Journal of Cancer, high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements and diets rich in fatty acids can have a measurable effect in preventing certain cancers.

According to this new study, “Being uninsured accounts for a significant proportion of racial and ethnic disparities in cancers that are only detected at a later, more life-threatening stage.” This expansive study, led by the American Cancer Society, used data from roughly 1.9 million patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2019. The findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Data obtained from this study came from a tool developed by researchers at the Columbia School of Nursing. The tool was created to predict financial toxicity among patients with breast cancer. The results were apparently more surprising to doctors than to patients.

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.

A Vietnam veteran, an oncology nurse, a four-time cancer survivor, and one of the founding members of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), Susie Leigh is not just a cancer survivor; she is a pioneer in the cancer survivorship movement.

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.”

Here are two powerful video presentations of blood cancer survivors in a “now and then” format. They are the stories of “Sheriff Todd,” a multiple myeloma survivor, and “Laura,” a survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In the videos, we hear how both survivors dealt with their original diagnosis, the many ways in which it has affected their lives, and how they are managing today. Some of the comments and experiences will strongly resonate with long-term Hodgkin’s survivors, especially when they are talking about the emotional aspects of being a cancer survivor.

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.