Childhood cancer leads to more adult illness

St. Paul, Minn. — Adults who survive cancer during their childhood have a higher chance of illness due to chronic conditions. That's the finding a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

While more than 75 percent of children with cancer are cured of their disease, almost two-thirds of patients later had chronic health conditions. Nearly one-quarter of the survivors actually had three or more chronic conditions.

Dr. Ann Mertens, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center, is one of the authors of the report. She talked with MPR's Tom Crann about the findings.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 10/11/2006, 5:50 p.m.