Childhood cancer survivors face a significantly higher prevalence of obesity compared to healthy siblings (13.5% vs. 7.5%) and are at elevated risk for long-term cardiometabolic complications.
Childhood cancer survivors face a significantly elevated risk of obesity and metabolic complications, highlighting the critical need for targeted lifestyle interventions and long-term cardiometabolic monitoring.
Introduction: Overweight and obesity have become a widespread problem in modern society, influenced by multiple factors, including oncological diseases and their treatment. A diagnosis of cancer at a young age, combined with adverse lifestyle patterns, may lead to significant challenges in maintaining healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI ≥30 kg/m2 is classified as obesity and may lead to multiple health complications, posing an additional burden for cancer survivors. The aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on the association between early-onset cancer and excessive weight gain. Methods: This study presents current knowledge on overweight and obesity in childhood cancer survivors. A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on recent studies and cardiometabolic risk factors. Key findings: Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of developing obesity compared to their peers. Studies show that they often face greater difficulties in maintaining normal body weight than their healthy siblings. Excessive body weight is associated with comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation, which require further treatment and can affect long-term health. Preventive strategies focusing on nutrition and physical activity are crucial for this group. Conclusion: Despite the widespread prevalence of obesity, limited research focuses on its determinants in childhood cancer survivors. The maintenance of a healthy body weight is particularly important in this group to prevent secondary health complications. Therefore, supporting the development of healthy lifestyle patterns in this vulnerable population is vital for improving their long-term outcomes.
Czyżak et al. (Sat,) conducted a review in Childhood cancer survivors. Childhood cancer survivorship vs. Healthy siblings or general population was evaluated on Prevalence of overweight and obesity. Childhood cancer survivors face a significantly higher prevalence of obesity compared to healthy siblings (13.5% vs. 7.5%) and are at elevated risk for long-term cardiometabolic complications.