Late effects are health problems that occur months or years after cancer treatment has ended.

Cancer treatments may harm the body's organs, tissues, or bones and cause health problems later in life. They may include physical, mental, and social problems and second cancers. These health problems are called late effects.

Treatments that may cause late effects include:

Doctors are studying the late effects caused by cancer treatment. They are working to improve cancer treatments and stop or lessen late effects. While most late effects are not life-threatening, they may cause serious problems that affect health and quality of life.