Children have a risk of getting a second cancer after their initial cancer treatment. For children who had retinoblastoma, the risk depends on the type of retinoblastoma and the treatment they received. The Retinoblastoma team will talk to you about your child’s risk.

Help Your Child Be Safe After Treatment and Decrease the Risk of a Second Cancer

• Avoid radiation whenever possible.  This can include CT scans and x-rays.
• Do not smoke. Stay away from second-hand smoke.

Keep Your Child Safe From the Sun:

• Protect your child from sunburn, even on cloudy days.
• Keep skin covered when outside, as much as you can.  Use sunscreen with SPF 35 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially when swimming.
• Use extra care when the risk of sun damage is higher. This includes places with sand, snow, concrete, water, or high altitudes.
• Spend more time outside in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid times when the sun is most intense.  This is usually10am to 2 pm.
• Do not use tanning booths. Urge your child not to tan in the sun.

Keep Your Child’s Eyes Safe:

• Protect the eyes for the rest of their life.
• Wear glasses at all times. The lenses should be polycarbonate.
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection when in bright sunlight.
• Wear protective eyewear when there is a risk of eye injury.  This includes sports, using power tools, or using chemicals.
• Never play with fireworks or sparklers of any kind. They can cause serious injury.

Remember To Have Your Child:

• Get a physical and eye exam every year.
• Eat healthy.
• Stay active.