Some childhood tumors are caused by inherited syndromes that contribute to a lifelong increased risk for cancer.
Li-Fraumeni syndrome can lead to sarcoma, leukemia, and brain and breast cancers.
The treatments to combat childhood cancer can also make you more vulnerable to future malignancies.
Family history may carry a genetic susceptibility.
Radiation, chemotherapy, and other cancer therapies can also trigger cellular changes that make you more vulnerable to a secondary cancer.
Age increases cancer risk.
Each passing year brings more chronic conditions, more exposure to environmental factors that increase risk, and a lower ability of cells to repair damage.