A new study finds that adolescent and young adult cancer survivors age faster than people who never had cancer. Researchers saw signs of faster biological aging and changes in brain function that affect memory and attention.
The study included about 1,400 patients who were at least five years after treatment. Most had acute lymphoblastic leukemia or Hodgkin lymphoma. Results showed chemotherapy sped up aging fastest. For those who had radiation to the brain, researchers want to stop problems from getting worse. Teams are testing quitting smoking, exercise and better nutrition as ways to help.
Difficult words
- adolescent — young person not yet an adult
- survivor — person who lives after a serious diseasesurvivors
- biological — relating to life and living things
- chemotherapy — drug treatment to kill cancer cells
- radiation — energy waves used to treat disease
- nutrition — food and vitamins needed for health
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which of the tested ways (quitting smoking, exercise, better nutrition) would you try? Why?
- How would you help a friend who has memory or attention problems after cancer?
- Why do you think researchers want to stop problems from getting worse after brain radiation?
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