You're Cured of Cancer, But What About Heart Disease, Stroke and Christmas?

Why childhood cancer survivors should never skip a beat on tracking their heart health.

BY Ryan Hamner

PUBLISHED March 10, 2018

Ryan Hamner is a four-time survivor of Hodgkin lymphoma, a musician and a writer. In 2011, he wrote and recorded, "Where Hope Lives" for the American Cancer Society and the song for survivors, "Survivors Survive" used in 2015 for #WorldCancerDay. Currently, he operates his website for those affected by cancer, 2surviveonline.com and drinks a ridiculous amount of coffee per day.

You know what's really awesome about childhood cancer? Well, absolutely nothing. Are you kidding? However, curesearch.org reports that in the past 40 years, the survival rate for children with cancer has gone from 10 percent to 90 percent. And well, that is awesome about children's cancer.

Without a doubt, treatments for cancer are improving. With new drugs and things like gene therapy, the future for all cancer patients looks better in terms of survival. However, what has the reality become for childhood cancer survivors who are now adults? What is it like for those who have lived through multiple relapses? Well, unfortunately, it's not always good.

For one, as a recent study showed, many childhood cancer survivors are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions. Specifically, they are more likely to face heart disease and stroke.

More info for childhood cancer survivors