Cancer survivors may have chronic issues

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ATLANTA, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. teenagers or young adults who get through treatment for cancer face chronic medical problems that may be lifestyle-related, a federal health official says.

Researchers analyzed data from a 2009 national survey of about 4,000 U.S. teen and young adult cancer survivors and about 345,000 people of similar age without cancer.

The study, published in the journal Cancer, found the cancer survivors were more likely than others to report heart disease, high blood pressure and other conditions. They were more likely to smoke and to be obese, the study said.

"Cancer survivors need to be aware of the long-term risks associated with unhealthy behaviors and chronic medical conditions," Eric Tai, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, said in a statement.