What are secondary cancers in relation to radiation exposure?

Secondary cancers are new malignancies that develop as a consequence of the treatment from previous cancers, particularly following radiation therapy. When patients receive radiation for an initial tumor, the exposure can damage normal, healthy cells in addition to the targeted cancer cells. Over time, this damage may lead to mutations in the DNA of these healthy cells, which can contribute to the development of new cancerous growths.

This phenomenon is particularly concerning because it highlights the long-term risks associated with radiation therapy, especially in patients who may already be vulnerable due to prior cancer treatment. Understanding this concept is crucial for healthcare providers as they weigh the benefits and risks of radiation therapies in cancer management.

In contrast, immediate health effects from radiation, infections caused by radiation exposure, and radiation-induced burns do not refer to the development of additional malignancies and instead focus on short-term or non-cancerous consequences of radiation.