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Background. Glucocorticoids used to treat childhood leukemia and lymphoma can result in osteonecrosis, leading to physical dysfunction and pain. Improving survival rates warrants research into long-term outcomes among this population. Objective. The objective of this study was to compare the physical function and quality of life (QOL) of survivors of childhood cancer who had an osteonecrosis history with that of survivors who had no osteonecrosis history and with that of people who were healthy (controls). Design. This was a cross-sectional study. Methods. This study included St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study participants who were [greater than or equal to] 10 years from the diagnosis of childhood leukemia or lymphoma and [greater than or equal to] 18 years old; 135 had osteonecrosis (52.5% men; mean age = 27.7 [SD = 6.08] years) and 1560 had no osteonecrosis history (52.4% men; mean age = 33.3 [SD = 8.54] years). This study also included 272 people who were from the community and who were healthy (community controls) (47.7% men; mean age = 35.1 [SD = 10.46] years). The participants completed functional assessments and questionnaires about QOL. Results. Survivors with osteonecrosis scored lower than other survivors and controls for dorsiflexion strength (mean score = 16.50 [SD = 7.91] vs 24.17 [SD = 8.61] N*m/kg) and scored lower than controls for flexibility with the sit-and-reach test (20.61 [SD = 9.70] vs 23.96 [SD = 10.73] cm), function on the Physical Performance Test (mean score = 22.73 [SD = 2.05] vs 23.58 [SD = 0.88]), and mobility on the Timed 'Up & Go' Test (5.66 [SD = 2.25] vs 5.12 [SD = 1.28] seconds). Survivors with hip osteonecrosis requiring surgery scored lower than survivors without osteonecrosis for dorsiflexion strength (13.75 [SD = 8.82] vs 18.48 [SD = 9.04] Nm/kg), flexibility (15.79 [SD = 8.93] vs 20.37 [SD = 10.14] cm), and endurance on the 6-minute walk test (523.50 [SD = 103.00] vs 572.10 [SD = 102.40] m). Limitations. Because some eligible survivors declined to participate, possible selection bias was a limitation of this study. Conclusions. survivors of childhood leukemia and lymphoma with and without osteonecrosis demonstrated impaired physical performance and reported reduced QOL compared with controls, with those requiring surgery for osteonecrosis most at risk for impairments. It may be beneficial to provide strengthening, flexibility, and endurance interventions for patients who have pediatric cancer and osteonecrosis for long-term function., Survival rates continue to improve among children treated for leukemia and lymphoma such that the vast majority of these children will survive their disease. (1) Five-year relative survival rates for [...]

Background. Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at risk for low lean muscle mass and muscle weakness, which may contribute to inactivity and early development of chronic diseases typically seen in older adults. Although increasing protein intake, in combination with resistance training, improves lean muscle mass in other populations, it is not known whether muscular tissue among survivors of ALL, whose impairments are treatment-related, will respond similarly. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations among dietary protein intake, resistance training, and lean muscle mass in survivors of ALL and age-, sex-, and race-matched controls. Design. This was a cross-sectional study. Methods. Lean muscle mass was determined with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, dietary information with 24-hour recalls, and participation in resistance training with a questionnaire. Participants were 365 survivors of ALL (52% male; 87% white; median age=28.5 years, range=23.6-31-7) and 365 controls with no previous cancer. Results. Compared with controls, survivors of ALL had lower lean muscle mass (55.0 versus 57.2 kg, respectively) and lower percentage of lean muscle mass (68.6% versus 71.4%, respectively) than controls. Similar proportions of survivors (71.1%) and controls (69.7%) met recommended dietary protein intake (0.8 g/kg/d). Survivors (45.4%) were less likely to report resistance training than controls (53.8%). In adjusted models, 1-g higher protein intake per kilogram of body mass per day was associated with a 7.9% increase and resistance training [greater than or equal to] 1 X wk, with a 2.8% increase in lean muscle mass. Limitations. The cross-sectional study design limits temporal evaluation of the association between protein intake and lean muscle mass. Conclusions. The findings suggest that survivors of childhood ALL with low lean muscle mass may benefit from optimizing dietary protein intake in combination with resistance training. Research is needed to determine whether resistance training with protein supplementation improves lean muscle mass in survivors of childhood ALL., Therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have acute and late effects on body composition. Loss of lean muscle mass (1) and gains in relative overall body mass (2) are reported [...]

Objectives. Characterize longitudinal changes in the use of medical care in adult survivors of childhood cancer. Data Sources. The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, a retrospective cohort study of 5+ year survivors of childhood cancer. Study Design. Medical care was assessed at entry into the cohort (baseline) and at most recent questionnaire completion. Care at each time point was classified as no care, general care, or survivor-focused care. Data Collection. There were 6,176 eligible survivors. Multivariable models evaluated risk factors for reporting survivor-focused care or general medical care at baseline and no care at follow-up; and survivor-focused care at baseline and general care at follow-up. Principal Findings. Males (RR, 2.3; 95 percent CI 1.8-2.9), earning Conclusions. While the incidence of late effects increases over time for survivors, the likelihood of receiving survivor-focused care decreases for vulnerable populations. Key Words. Childhood cancer survivors, health insurance, health care access, survivorship, delivery of health care, The improvement in long-term survival of children with cancer to over 83 percent is one of the major success stories in oncology (Howlader et al. 2013). Consequently, there are more [...]

Background: Survivors of childhood cancer may develop a second malignant neoplasm during adulthood and therefore require regular surveillance. Objective: To examine adherence to population cancer screening guidelines by survivors at average risk for a second malignant neoplasm and adherence to cancer surveillance guidelines by survivors at high risk for a second malignant neoplasm. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), a 26-center study of long-term survivors of childhood cancer that was diagnosed between 1970 and 1986. Patients: 4329 male and 4018 female survivors of childhood cancer who completed a CCSS questionnaire assessing screening and surveillance for new cases of cancer. Measurements: Patient-reported receipt and timing of mammography, Papanicolaou smear, colonoscopy, or skin examination was categorized as adherent to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for survivors at average risk for breast or cervical cancer or the Children's Oncology Group guidelines for survivors at high risk for breast, colorectal, or skin cancer as a result of cancer therapy. Results: In average-risk female survivors, 2743 of 3392 (80.9%) reported having a Papanicolaou smear within the recommended period, and 140 of 209 (67.0%) reported mammography within the recommended period. In high-risk survivors, rates of recommended mammography among women were only 241 of 522 (46.2%) and the rates of colonoscopy and complete skin examinations among both sexes were 91 of 794 (11.5%) and 1290 of 4850 (26.6%), respectively. Limitations: Data were self-reported. Participants in the CCSS are a selected group of survivors, and their adherence may not be representative of all survivors of childhood cancer. Conclusion: Female survivors at average risk for a second malignant neoplasm show reasonable rates of screening for cervical and breast cancer. However, surveillance for new cases of cancer is very low in survivors at the highest risk for colon, breast, or skin cancer, suggesting that survivors and their physicians need education about their risks and recommended surveillance. Primary Funding Source: The National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities.

Background The survival of Ewing sarcoma (ES) patients has improved since the 1970s but is associated with considerable future health risks. Methods The study population consisted of long-term ([greater than or equal to] 5-year) survivors of childhood ES diagnosed before age 21 from 1970 to 1986. Cause-specific mortality was evaluated in eligible survivors (n = 568), and subsequent malignant neoplasms, chronic health conditions, infertility, and health status were evaluated in the subset participating in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (n = 403). Outcomes were compared with the US population and sibling control subjects (n = 3899). Logistic, Poisson, or Cox proportional hazards models, with adjustments for sex, age, race/ethnicity, and potential intrafamily correlation, were used. Statistical tests were two-sided. Results Cumulative mortality of ES survivors was 25.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 21.1 to 28.9) 25 years after diagnosis. The all-cause standardized mortality ratio was 13.3 (95% CI = 11.2 to 15.8) overall, 23.1 (95% CI = 17.6 to 29.7) for women, and 10.0 (95% CI = 7.9 to 12.5) for men. The nonrecurrence-progression non-external cause standardized mortality ratio (subsequent non-ES malignant neoplasms and cardiac and pulmonary causes potentially attributable to ES treatment) was 8.7 (95% CI = 6.2 to 12.0). Twenty-five years after ES diagnosis, cumulative incidence of subsequent malignant neoplasms, excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers, was 9.0% (95% CI = 5.8 to 12.2). Compared with siblings, survivors had an increased risk of severe, life-threatening, or disabling chronic health conditions (relative risk = 6.0, 95% CI = 4.1 to 9.0). Survivors had lower fertility rates (women: P= .005; men: P< .001) and higher rates of moderate to extreme adverse health status (P< .001). Conclusion Long-term survivors of childhood ES exhibit excess mortality and morbidity. DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djq278

Background The occurrence of subsequent neoplasms has direct impact on the quantity and quality of life in cancer survivors. We have expanded our analysis of these events in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) to better understand the occurrence of these events as the survivor population ages. Methods The incidence of and risk for subsequent neoplasms occurring 5 years or more after the childhood cancer diagnosis were determined among 14359 5-year survivors in the CCSS who were treated from 1970 through 1986 and who were at a median age of 30 years (range = 5-56 years) for this analysis. At 30 years after childhood cancer diagnosis, we calculated cumulative incidence at 30 years of subsequent neoplasms and calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), excess absolute risks (EARs) for invasive second malignant neoplasms, and relative risks for subsequent neoplasms by use of multivariable Poisson regression. Results Among 14359 5-year survivors, 1402 subsequently developed 2703 neoplasms. Cumulative incidence at 30 years after the childhood cancer diagnosis was 20.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 19.1% to 21.8%) for all subsequent neoplasms, 7.9% (95% CI = 7.2% to 8.5%) for second malignant neoplasms (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer), 9.1% (95% CI = 8.1% to 10.1%) for nonmelanoma skin cancer, and 3.1% (95% CI = 2.5% to 3.8%) for meningioma. Excess risk was evident for all primary diagnoses (EAR = 2.6 per 1000 person-years, 95% CI = 2.4 to 2.9 per 1000 person-years; SIR = 6.0, 95% CI = 5.5 to 6.4), with the highest being for Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR = 8.7, 95% CI = 7.7 to 9.8) and Ewing sarcoma (SIR = 8.5, 95% CI = 6.2 to 11.7). In the Poisson multivariable analysis, female sex, older age at diagnosis, earlier treatment era, diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, and treatment with radiation therapy were associated with increased risk of subsequent neoplasm. Conclusions As childhood cancer survivors progress through adulthood, risk of subsequent neoplasms increases. Patients surviving Hodgkin lymphoma are at greatest risk. There is no evidence of risk reduction with increasing duration of follow-up. J Natl Cancer Inst 2010;102:1083-1095 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djq238

Background We sought to measure self-reported neurocognitive functioning among survivors of non-central nervous system (CNS) childhood cancers, overall and compared with a sibling cohort, and to identify factors associated with worse functioning. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, 5937 adult survivors of non-CNS cancers and 382 siblings completed a validated neuropsychological instrument with subscales in task efficiency, emotional regulation, organization, and memory. Scores were converted to T scores; scores in the worst 10% of siblings' scores (ie, T score [greater than or equal to] 63) were defined as impaired. Non-CNS cancer survivors and siblings were compared with multivariable linear regression and log-binomial regression. Among survivors, log-binomial models assessed the association of patient and treatment factors with neurocognitive dysfunction. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Non-CNS cancer survivors had similar or slightly worse ( Conclusion A statistically and clinically significantly higher percentage of self-reported neurocognitive impairment was found among survivors of non-CNS cancers than among siblings. DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djq156

Background: Women treated with therapeutic chest radiation may develop breast cancer. Purpose: To summarize breast cancer risk and breast cancer surveillance in women after chest radiation for pediatric or young adult cancer. Data Sources: Studies from MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL (1966 to December 2008). Study Selection: Articles were selected to answer any of 3 questions: What is the incidence and excess risk for breast cancer in women after chest radiation for pediatric or young adult cancer? For these women, are the clinical characteristics of breast cancer and the outcomes after therapy different from those of women with sporadic breast cancer in the general population? What are the potential benefits and harms associated with breast cancer surveillance among women exposed to chest radiation? Data Extraction: Three investigators independently extracted data and assessed study quality. Data Synthesis: Standardized incidence ratios ranged from 13.3 to 55.5; cumulative incidence of breast cancer by age 40 to 45 years ranged from 13% to 20%. Risk for breast cancer increased linearly with chest radiation dose. Available limited evidence suggests that the characteristics of breast cancer in these women and the outcomes after diagnosis are similar to those of women in the general population; mammography can detect breast cancer, although sensitivity is limited. Limitation: The quality of evidence for key questions 2 and 3 is limited by substantial study heterogeneity, variation in study design, and small sample size. Conclusion: Women treated with chest radiation have a substantially elevated risk for breast cancer at a young age, which does not seem to plateau. In this high-risk population, there seems to be a benefit associated with early detection. Further research is required to better define the harms and benefits of lifelong surveillance. Primary Funding Source: National Cancer Institute. Ann Intern Med. 2010;152:444-455. www.annals.org For author affiliations, see end of text.

Background An increasing percentage of childhood cancer patients are surviving their disease, but there is limited research on late recurrence. We sought to estimate late recurrence rates for the most common pediatric cancers and to determine risk factors for late recurrence. Methods The incidence of late recurrences, or first recurrences that occurred more than 5 years after diagnosis, was analyzed for the most common pediatric cancers using data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, a retrospective cohort of 5-year survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers who were diagnosed between 1970 and 1986. A total of 12795 survivors with no history of recurrence within 5 years after their original cancer diagnosis were included in the analysis, with a total of 217127 person-years of follow-up. Cumulative incidence of late recurrence at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after diagnosis was calculated using death as a competing risk. Adjusted relative rates of late recurrence were obtained using multivariable Poisson regression. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Overall, 5-year survivors of pediatric cancers experienced a cumulative incidence of recurrent disease of 4.4%, 5.6%, and 6.2% at 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively. Cumulative incidence varied by diagnosis: Survivors of Ewing sarcoma and astrocytoma had the highest 20-year cumulative incidences at 13.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.4 to 16.5) and 14.4% (95% CI = 12.3 to 16.6), respectively. In multivariable analysis, the greatest risk factors for late recurrence included diagnosis, combination treatment with chemotheraphy and radiation, earlier treatment ER[alpha], and fewer years since diagnosis (P < .001 for all). Conclusion Late recurrence is a risk for some pediatric cancers. By understanding diagnosis-specific risks, patients, families, and their medical providers can be better informed of the probability of cure. DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djp417

Background The 5-year survival rate for individuals with neuroblastoma is approaching 70%. Few data exist, however, on the long-term outcomes of these patients, who are often treated at a very young age. Methods Outcome data were obtained for 954 5-year neuroblastoma survivors who were diagnosed in 1970-1986 and enrolled in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS). Late mortality, second malignant neoplasms, and chronic health conditions were analyzed in relation to treatment factors using Poisson regression models and their modification with generalized estimating equations. Neuroblastoma survivors were compared with a cohort of 3899 siblings of CCSS participants for risk of chronic health conditions and selected sociodemographic outcomes. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Six percent of patients died more than 5 years after their diagnosis (standardized mortality ratio = 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.4 to 6.9). The most common causes of death were disease recurrence (n = 43) and second malignant neoplasms (n = 13). The cumulative incidence of second malignant neoplasms was 3.5% at 25 years and 7.0% at 30 years after diagnosis. Compared with the sibling cohort, survivors had an increased risk of selected chronic health conditions (risk ratio [RR] = 8.3; 95% CI = 7.1 to 9.7) with a 20-year cumulative incidence of 41.1%. The most prevalent outcomes involved the neurological, sensory, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems, with 20-year cumulative incidences of 29.8%, 8.6%, 8.3%, and 7.8%, respectively. Neuroblastoma survivors who were treated with multimodality therapy were more likely to develop a chronic health condition than survivors treated with surgery alone (RR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.6 to 3.0). Neuroblastoma survivors were less likely than siblings to have ever been employed (P = .04) or to be married (P< .001) and had a lower personal income (P = .009). Conclusions Neuroblastoma survivors have an increased rate of mortality and second malignant neoplasms, relative to the age- and sex-comparable US population, and of chronic health conditions, relative to their siblings, which underscores the need for long-term medical surveillance.

Background Adult survivors of childhood central nervous system (CNS) malignancies are at high risk for long-term morbidity and late mortality. However, patterns of late mortality, the long-term risks of subsequent neoplasms and debilitating medical conditions, and sociodemographic outcomes have not been comprehensively characterized for individual diagnostic and treatment groups. Methods We collected information on treatment, mortality, chronic medical conditions, and neurocognitive functioning of adult 5-year survivors of CNS malignancies diagnosed between 1970 and 1986 within the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Using competing risk framework, we calculated cumulative mortality according to cause of death and cumulative incidence of subsequent neoplasms according to exposure and dose of cranial radiation therapy (RT). Neurocognitive impairment and socioeconomic outcomes were assessed with respect to dose of CNS radiotherapy to specific brain regions. Cumulative incidence of chronic medical conditions was compared between survivors and siblings using Cox regression models. All tests of statistical significance were two-sided. Results Among all eligible 5-year survivors (n = 2821), cumulative late mortality at 30 years was 25.8% (95% confidence interval [CI = 23.4% to 28.3%), due primarily to recurrence and/or progression of primary disease. Patients who received cranial RT of 50 Gy or more (n = 813) had a cumulative incidence of a subsequent neoplasm within the CNS of 7.1% (95% CI = 4.5% to 9.6%) at 25 years from diagnosis compared with 1.0% (95% CI = 0% to 2.3%) for patients who had no RT. Survivors had higher risk than siblings of developing new endocrine, neurological, or sensory complications 5 or more years after diagnosis. Neurocognitive impairment was high and proportional to radiation dose for specific tumor types. There was a dose-dependent association between RT to the frontal and/or temporal lobes and lower rates of employment, and marriage. Conclusions Survivors of childhood CNS malignancies are at high risk for late mortality and for developing subsequent neoplasms and chronic medical conditions. Care providers should be informed of these risks so they can provide risk-directed care and develop screening guidelines.

Background The proportion of pediatric and adolescent cancer patients surviving 5 years has increased during the past four decades. This growing population of survivors remains at risk for disease- and treatment-associated late mortality. Methods A total of 20483 five-year survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer diagnosed between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1986, and enrolled in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) were included in a National Death Index search for deaths occurring between January 1, 1979, and December 31, 2002. Treatment information was abstracted from primary medical records. Survival probabilities, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), and absolute excess risks were calculated for overall and cause-specific deaths. Diagnosis- and sex-specific survival probabilities were estimated by the product-limit method. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Among the CCSS cohort, 2821 (13.8%) 5-year survivors had died by the end of the follow-up period. The cause of death was obtained for 2534 individuals, with 57.5% of deaths attributed to recurrent disease. Estimated probability of survival 30 years from diagnosis was 82%. When compared with the US population, the absolute excess risk of death from any cause was 7.36 deaths per 1000 person-years. The overall SMR was 8.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.0 to 8.7). Increases in cause-specific mortality were seen for deaths due to subsequent malignancy (SMR = 15.2, 95% CI = 13.9 to 16.6) and cardiac (SMR = 7.0, 95% CI = 5.9 to 8.2), pulmonary (SMR = 8.8, 95% CI = 6.8 to 11.2), and other medical (SMR = 2.6, 95% CI = 2.3 to 3.0) causes. At 20 years of follow-up (25 years after first cancer diagnosis), the death rate due to a subsequent malignancy exceeded that due to all other causes. Conclusion Our extended follow-up of 5-year survivors of pediatric and adolescent cancer indicates that excess mortality persists long after diagnosis. Continued observation is needed to further define lifetime risk and to determine the potential contribution of chronic health conditions and modifiable health behaviors.

Background: Subsequent primary neoplasms of the central nervous system (CNS) have frequently been described as late events following childhood leukemia and brain tumors. However, the details of the dose-response relationships, the expression of excess risk over time, and the modifying effects of other host and treatment factors have not been well defined. Methods: Subsequent primary neoplasms of the CNS occurring within a cohort of 14361 5-year survivors of childhood cancers were ascertained. Each patient was matched with four control subjects by age, sex, and time since original cancer diagnosis. Tumor site-specific radiation dosimetry was performed, and chemotherapy information was abstracted from medical records. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs), to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and to model the excess relative risk (ERR) as a function of radiation dose and host factors. For subsequent gliomas, standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and excess absolute risks (EARs) were calculated based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data. Results: Subsequent CNS primary neoplasms were identified in 116 individuals. Gliomas (n = 40) occurred a median of 9 years from original diagnosis; for meningiomas (n = 66), it was 17 years. Radiation exposure was associated with increased risk of subsequent glioma (OR = 6.78, 95% CI = 1.54 to 29.7) and meningioma (OR = 9.94, 95% CI = 2.17 to 45.6). The dose response for the excess relative risk was linear (for glioma, slope = 0.33 [95% CI = 0.07 to 1.71] per Gy, and for meningioma, slope = 1.06 [95% CI = 0.21 to 8.15] per Gy). For glioma, the ERR/Gy was highest among children exposed at less than 5 years of age. After adjustment for radiation dose, neither original cancer diagnosis nor chemotherapy was associated with risk. The overall SIR for glioma was 8.7, and the EAR was 19.3 per 10000 person-years. Conclusions: Exposure to radiation therapy is the most important risk factor for the development of a new CNS tumor in survivors of childhood cancers. The higher risk of subsequent glioma in children irradiated at a very young age may reflect greater susceptibility of the developing brain to radiation.

Background: Improved survival after childhood cancer raises concerns over the possible long-term reproductive health effects of cancer therapies. We investigated whether children of female childhood cancer survivors are at elevated risk of being born preterm or exhibiting restricted fetal growth and evaluated the associations of different cancer treatments on these outcomes. Methods: Using data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, a large multicenter cohort of childhood cancer survivors, we studied the singleton live births of female cohort members from 1968 to 2002. Included were 2201 children of 1264 survivors and 1175 children of a comparison group of 601 female siblings. Data from medical records were used to determine cumulative prepregnancy exposures to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the association between quantitative therapy exposures and preterm (500 cGy) had increased risks of being born preterm (50.0% versus 19.6%; OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.5 to 8.0; P = .003), low birth weight (36.2% versus 7.6%; OR = 6.8, 95% CI = 2.1 to 22.2; P = .001), and SGA (18.2% versus 7.8%; OR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.6 to 9.8; P = .003). Increased risks were also apparent at lower uterine radiotherapy doses (starting at 50 cGy for preterm birth and at 250 cGy for low birth weight). Conclusions: Late effects of treatment for female childhood cancer patients may include restricted fetal growth and early births among their offspring, with risks concentrated among women who receive pelvic irradiation.

Background: Childhood cancer survivors who retain ovarian function after completing cancer treatment are at increased risk of developing premature menopause, defined as cessation of menses before age 40 years. However, published data pertaining to the risk and frequency of premature menopause are limited. Methods: We assessed the incidence of and risk factors for premature menopause in 2819 survivors of childhood cancer who were older than 18 years and were participants in the multicenter Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS). The comparison group was 1065 female siblings of participants in the CCSS. A multiple Poisson regression model was constructed to determine risk factors for nonsurgical premature menopause. All statistical tests were twosided. Results: A total of 126 childhood cancer survivors and 33 control siblings developed premature menopause. Of these women, 61 survivors (48%) and 31 siblings (94%) had surgically induced menopause (rate ratio [RR] = 0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52 to 1.23). However, the cumulative incidence of nonsurgical premature menopause was higher for survivors than for siblings (8% versus 0.8%; RR = 13.21, 95% CI = 3.26 to 53.51; P

Cancer survivors constitute 3.5% of the United States population, but second primary malignancies among this high-risk group now account for 16% of all cancer incidence. Although few data currently exist regarding the molecular mechanisms for second primary cancers and other late outcomes after cancer treatment, the careful measurement and documentation of potentially carcinogenic treatments (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) provide a unique platform for in vivo research on gene-environment interactions in human carcinogenesis. We review research priorities identified during a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored workshop entitled 'Cancer Survivorship--Genetic Susceptibility and Second Primary Cancers.' These priorities include 1) development of a national research infrastructure for studies of cancer survivorship; 2) creation of a coordinated system for biospecimen collection; 3) development of new technology, bioinformatics, and biomarkers; 4) design of new epidemiologic methods; and 5) development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Many of the infrastructure resources and design strategies that would facilitate research in this area also provide a foundation for the study of other important nonneoplastic late effects of treatment and psychosocial concerns among cancer survivors. These research areas warrant high priority to promote NCI's goal of eliminating pain and suffering related to cancer.

Background: Survivors of childhood cancer may experience important disease- and treatment-related late effects, including functional limitations. Objective: This study evaluated performance limitations and restricted abilities to participate in personal care, to engage in routine activities like shopping or housework, and to attend work or school (participation restrictions) in a cohort of survivors of childhood cancer. Setting: Epidemiologic survey and 26 institutions that treat childhood cancer. Patients: Participants included 11 481 persons who were treated for primary brain cancer, leukemia, Hodgkin disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney tumor, neuroblastoma, soft-tissue sarcoma, or malignant bone tumor before the age of 21 years and who survived at least 5 years after diagnosis. The comparison group included 3839 siblings of survivors of childhood cancer. Measurement: Medical data were abstracted, and participants or parents (if the participants were Results: Compared with siblings, survivors were more likely to report performance limitations (risk ratio, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.7 to 2.0]) and to report restricted participation in personal care skills (risk ratio, 4.7 [CI, 3.0 to 7.2]), routine activities (risk ratio, 4.7 [CI, 3.6 to 6.2]), and the ability to attend work or school (risk ratio, 5.9 [CI, 4.5 to 7.6]). Survivors of brain (26.6%) and bone (36.9%) cancer were most likely to report performance limitations, restricted ability to do routine activities (20.9% and 8.5%, respectively), and restricted ability to attend work or school (20.0% and 11.2%, respectively). Survivors of brain cancer were also most likely to report restricted abilities to perform personal care (10.5%). Limitations: There was the potential for participants to be healthier or more physically capable than nonparticipants or for persons to be more motivated to participate in this study if they had functional deficits. In addition, the nature of the questionnaire did not allow specific physical limitations to be measured. Conclusion: Long-term survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for functional limitations in physical performance and in participation in activities needed for daily living.

Background: Well-designed evaluations of health services are frequently made today. However, the extent of the evaluations' benefits and costs is not well documented, creating uncertainty whether their use is optimal from society's perspective. We examined these costs and benefits using data from one well-designed evaluation, the Quebec Neuroblastoma Screening Project (QNSP). It screened most Quebec newborns between 1989 and 1994 for neuroblastoma. As previously reported, the screening did not reduce neuroblastoma mortality and caused adverse health effects. Methods: We compared the cost of doing the QNSP with its benefits. Had the QNSP not been undertaken, neuroblastoma screening would have been implemented throughout North America. We assume that screening would have started in 1989 and ended in 2002. The QNSP's benefits include the health costs and adverse health effects averted by not using ineffective screening during those 14 years. In our calculations we used neuroblastoma incidence data for the QNSP and for Ontario where there was no screening, detailed data describing the health services used by the patients, and Quebec cost data for those services. Results: The QNSP cost $8.77 million (2002 US dollars). By not implementing similar screening programs between 1989 and 2002, the United States and Canada avoided $574.1 million in health costs, the unnecessary treatment of 9223 children, and false-positive findings for 5003 children screened. Conclusions: The health care costs and adverse health effects averted by the QNSP justify its costs. These results show that well-designed evaluations can yield--at least sometimes--benefits substantially greater than their high costs. This raises an important policy issue: are these evaluations now being under- or over used?

Background: Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for secondary breast cancer. Other than previous chest radiation therapy, risk factors for secondary breast cancer have not been established. Objective: To identify risk factors for breast cancer among female survivors of childhood cancer. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), a multi-center study of persons who survived more than 5 years after childhood cancer diagnosed from 1970 to 1986. Participants: Among 6068 women in the CCSS, 95 women had 111 confirmed cases of breast cancer. Measurements: Standardized incidence ratios for breast cancer were calculated by using age-specific incidence rates in the general population. Breast cancer incidence was evaluated with respect to primary cancer diagnosis and therapy, age at and time since primary diagnosis, menstrual and reproductive history, and family history of cancer. Results: Breast cancer risk was increased in survivors who were treated with chest radiation therapy (standardized incidence ratio, 24.7 [95% CI, 19.3 to 31.0]) and survivors of bone and soft-tissue sarcoma who were not treated with chest radiation therapy (standardized incidence ratios, 6.7 and 7.6, respectively). Family history of breast cancer (relative rate, 2.7 [CI, 1.3 to 5.0]) and history of thyroid disease (relative rate, 1.7 [CI, 1.1 to 2.6]) were independently associated with increased risk, and exposure to pelvic radiation was protective (relative rate, 0.6 [CI, 0.4 to 0.9]). Age at primary cancer diagnosis and menstrual and reproductive histories did not statistically significantly modify risk. Limitations: This cohort has not yet attained an age at which breast cancer risk is greatest. Conclusion: Survivors of childhood sarcomas and those who received chest radiation therapy are at risk for secondary breast cancer. When assessing a survivor's risk, clinicians should consider primary diagnosis, previous radiation therapy, family cancer history, and history of thyroid disease.