A new study found that more than half (56.4%) of cancer survivors in the United States reported having additional underlying medical conditions associated with severe COVID-19 disease. The report appears in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggesting that the incidence of these conditions among cancer survivors is nearly 40% higher than the general population.
Cancer, and other underlying medical conditions, including obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and obesity, are all associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease. . For this study, researchers Changchuan (Charles) Jiang, MD, PhD, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Xuesong Han, PhD, American Cancer Society, and colleagues used data from the 2016-2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) , national cross – a regional study of the civilian, non-institutional population, to study the incidence of COVID-19-related health illnesses in adult cancer survivors in the U.S.
“This study examines the incidence and factors associated with these underlying medical conditions among cancer survivors in the US. We felt it was important to compile and make available the available data. study to inform the public and guide policymakers on opportunities to prevent and control COVID-related 19-related serious illnesses through strategies such as circulating at-risk vaccines, ”Dr. Jiang said.
The majority of cancer survivors reported more than one of the conditions associated with severe COVID-19 disease and nearly a quarter reported more than two conditions. These conditions were more common in survivors of kidney, liver and uterine cancer, as well as survivors of the blacks, those with low socioeconomic status, and public insurance.
Old age was associated with a higher incidence of medical illnesses among cancer survivors and adults without a history of cancer. However, even in the youngest age group (18 to 44 years), nearly half of cancer survivors (47.6%) had at least one additional condition associated with severe COVID-19 disease. In addition to increasing frequency with age, medical conditions were more common among surviving males (59.9%), those with a lower than secondary finish (68.0%), non-Hispanic blacks (59.9%). 67.2%), low-income (71.7%), and those living in the south (59.2%).
“The findings highlight the need to protect survivors against the spread of COVID-19 and prioritize cancer survivors in vaccine distribution,” Dr. Han said.
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Magazine Reference:
Jiang, C., et al. (2021) Illness of the underlying medical conditions associated with severe COVID-19 disease in people living with adult cancer in the United States. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute. doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djab012.