Survivors of childhood brain tumours have more fat

Survivors of childhood brain tumours have a similar Body Mass Index (BMI) to healthy children. (Source: File Photo)

A team of researchers has shed light on why survivors of childhood brain tumours may be prone to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and early death.

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The McMaster University researchers discovered that while survivors of childhood brain tumours have a similar Body Mass Index (BMI) to healthy children with no cancer, they have more fat tissue overall, and especially around the abdomen.

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“These findings suggest that one of the most important risk factors for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, which is excess total and central fat in the body, is present relatively early in survivors of childhood brain tumors” said senior author Constantine Samaan. “This may program their future risk of these diseases and impact their outcomes.”