Radiation is a potent tool for killing lymphoma cells. But radiation can also cause mutations in normal cells that may lead to development of second cancers years later. It has been seen that young girls who were treated using radiation to the chest and neck for Hodgkin Lymphoma had a higher chance of later developing breast or lung cancer, compared with individuals who don't get treated with radiation. This has caused a lot of worry among patients and some doctors as well.
The truth is that the risk of developing second cancers, though increased, is actually still very small. The risk is somewhat higher in younger patients. But the benefit to be gained by radiation therapy usually far outweighs the risks. In order to be careful, radiation is often avoided in younger patients if it is felt that they can be treated equally well with other forms of treatment. Oncologists are now well informed regarding risks of treatment, and can guide patients regarding their individual risks. The small chance of developing cancers in the future should not discourage an individual to refuse treatment that is essential for the present.
