Second cancer: What you need to know

A second cancer is one that occurs in a patient with a previous cancer. This cancer is completely new and different from the first cancer. The second cancer is not and is not the same as a recurrent cancer. Recurrence occurs when the cancer first comes back, even if it grows in another area of ​​the body.

Patients who have had certain types of cancer are often at a higher risk for a second cancer, doctors can't be sure which patients will get a second cancer, but they understand some of the risk factors, includes:
Genetics : Hereditary genes are passed from parent to child in a family. Hereditary risk may include having one or more family members with cancer or a cancer-related condition. Cancer remains after treatment: Some people still have a small amount of cancer left after treatment. Certain cancer treatments: Certain chemotherapy and radiation treatments increase the risk of a second cancer. The risk is higher if you were treated for cancer as a child, teen or young adult. The risk factors for the second cancer are similar to those for the first cancer, such as:
Smoking Environmental toxins Being overweight Drinking too much alcohol Diet healthy

If you are being screened regularly to prevent the recurrence of the first cancer, your doctor will let you know if you need to be screened for other cancers and should stick to the schedule your doctor recommends. If you're at high risk for cancer, you'll definitely need regular screening. Give your doctor as much information as you can about your family history and prior cancer treatment.

Symptoms of a second cancer may include:
Feeling tired Having pain but not healing in the usual way Cough or hoarseness that won't go away Loss of appetite, indigestion or trouble swallowing Lumps, discharge, bleeding or thickening in certain areas Bone pain Headaches and vision changes If any of the symptoms listed above are present, see a specialist as soon as possible.

A second cancer can't always be prevented. Some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as a particular cancer treatment in the past. But it is absolutely possible to do the following things to reduce the risk of cancer in general, such as:
Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet Don't smoke Limit your alcohol intake (or consult your doctor for advice). get instructions that work best for you) Consult a geneticist about testing for cancer-related gene mutations. If tests show a mutation, you can choose treatments to reduce your risk of cancer in the future.

The fear of getting a second cancer is understandable, as is the fear of the first cancer coming back. Talk to your doctor about specific risks and what to do to stay as healthy as possible, as well as what cancer screening tests you need and how often are recommended.
Talk to a loved one or a counselor who can help you cope with your second cancer fears and survivor's life. You can also join a personal or online support group. It helps to spend time with people who also have cancer.

Early detection and treatment of a second cancer is just as important as the first. Your doctor needs to know as much as possible about the first cancer you've had, its treatment, and your overall health
If treatment for the first cancer seems to be the cause As a second cause of cancer, patients are prone to self-doubt and self-blame, but it's important to remember that cancer treatments change over time. Patients and the medical team can completely choose the best treatment available to apply early treatment.
To start confronting cancer again with important information, ask the following questions to your treating doctor:
Was the previous cancer or previous treatment the cause of the cancer? this? So what are the treatment options I have? I've had cancer twice, is it a genetic mutation? Should I consult with a geneticist or do genetic testing, will these work? Who should I share these concerns with? Is this cancer curable? What is the desired treatment outcome? The Oncology and Radiation Therapy Center at Vinmec International Hospital was built according to international standards, using a multi-specialist approach model in diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment regimens for each patient. contribute to comprehensive patient care.
Vinmec Cancer and Radiation Center is one of the centers in Vietnam that is fully equipped with cancer treatment models: From surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, treatment pain and palliative care. The diagnosis is made carefully: Blood tests, advanced imaging techniques such as: PET/CT, SPECT/CT, MRI..., blood marrow analysis, biopsy, histochemistry Immunoassay, molecular biology diagnosis. The treatment process is closely coordinated with many specialties.
Vinmec Oncology Department continuously cooperates with prestigious hospitals of the US, France, Korea, Taiwan, Japan... in cancer treatment, and is committed to providing modern treatment methods. with the most professional, convenient, dedicated and most reasonable cost right in Vietnam.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.
Articles refer to the source: cancer.net