|  | Long-term complications that can occur following treatment for blood cancer include secondary cancers but, thankfully, these are rare. The risk of developing a secondary cancer depends on many factors including:
 | Type of treatment received |
| Age at diagnosis |
| Your sex |
| Time since completion of therapy |
| Genetic risk factors |
| Acquired risk factors e.g. smoking - especially in those who have received radiotherapy to areas including the lungs |
Breast cancers are the most common secondary cancer following treatment for a leukaemia or lymphoma; especially in women who have received radiotherapy to the chest during treatment of lymphoma. Although all women are advised to
perform self-breast examinations, it is even more important following treatment completion. There are many sources of information detailing when and how a breast exam should be performed. |
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Secondary cancers can arise when treatments for blood cancer cause non-inherited damage to DNA. They are very rare.
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