A Review of Health Behaviors in Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivors: Toward Prevention of Second Primary Cancer.

PURPOSE: Survival of children and adolescents and young adults (AYAs) treated for cancer has increased with improved treatments. However, there is still an increased risk of second primary cancer (SPC) in the long term compared with the same-age population, especially related to treatments. The follow-up of this population and the prevention of SPC are important issues. Therefore, this study aimed to review the available literature on cancer risk factors (lifestyle and occupational exposures) in children and AYAs previously treated for cancer in order to identify interventions that might be implemented to improve healthy behaviors in this population. METHODS: PubMed was searched using the following terms: "cancer[Tiab] AND young adult[Tiab] or teen[Tiab] or childhood[Tiab] AND prevention[Tiab] AND survivors[Meshterm]." RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles were included. Children and AYA survivors of cancer have similar risk behaviors to their peers regarding tobacco, diet, and sun exposure. However, they have lower physical activity. Few studies on prevention strategies in this population were identified. Results of available studies remain inconclusive. No publications were found on occupational exposure and risk of second cancer. CONCLUSION: Children and AYAs treated for cancer are a population at risk and require specific effective prevention strategies.

[Life style and occupational factors and prevention of second primary cancers after childhood and adolescent cancer: Current state of knowledge]. / Facteurs comportementaux et professionnels et prévention des seconds cancers primitifs après un cancer dans l'enfance ou dans l'adolescence : état des connaissances.

CONTEXT: Survival of children, adolescents and young adults treated for cancer increased with improved treatments. But there is still an increased risk of second primary cancer (SPC) in the long term compared to the population of the same age, especially related to treatments. A reflection on the follow-up of this population and the prevention of SPC is an important issue. OBJECTIVES: To perform a synthesis of the available literature on SCP risk factors, related risk behaviors, occupational exposures and prevention strategies. METHODS: Literature search on PubMed from the following equation: "cancer [Tiab] AND young adult [Tiab] or teen [Tiab] or childhood [Tiab] AND prevention [Tiab] AND survivors [Mesh term]". RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles were included in this synthesis. Children, adolescents and young adults have similar risk behaviors than those of their peers regarding tobacco, diet and sun exposure; however, they have lower physical activity. There are few studies on prevention strategies focused on this population. Results of available studies remain inconclusive. No publication was found in relation to occupational exposure and risk of second cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Children, adolescents and young adults treated for cancer are a population at risk and require long-term follow-up and the implementation of effective prevention strategies tailored to this population.