Alique Topalian, Research Scientist- Survivorship and Supportive Services at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Check out my recent interview with Medscape on the hidden toll of long-term cancer survival. Shortly after finishing treatment and returning to work I saw a presentation from Dr. Kristen Ness on the long term effects of childhood cancer treatment. I was blown away.
How did I not know my treatment could have been the cause of so many of my chronic conditions? How did I not know I was at higher risk of second primary malignancies? How could my childhood treatment cause accelerated aging? What will this mean as I get older?
This was what sparked my interest in Oncology Primary Care. The importance of specialized care for cancer survivors long after treatment ends. The article goes on to feature our work presented at ASCO earlier this year and highlights the efforts of the INSPiRE initiative.
This story is very personal. It shares information about my comorbidities and the health struggles I have faced for the last 26 years. I was hesitant to be so vulnerable and open with my own health information.
I hope this article can highlight the unique needs of long term survivors. We must take care of people for their entire lifetime after treatment because cancer doesn’t just stop when treatment ends.”
Read The Interview Further.
More posts featuring Alique Topalian.