06 Dec Multiple Demographic Disparities in Cardiovascular Risk After Pediatric and Youth Cancer

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Berkman

Amy Berkman, MD
Department of Pediatrics
Duke University School of Medicine

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Cancer incidence in adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15-39 years at diagnosis) is increasing, with approximately 90,000 new diagnoses annually in the US. Improvements in 5-year survival have led to a growing population of survivors of AYA cancer, currently estimated at >600,000 survivors. Survivors are at increased risk of treatment related chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD).

We wanted to determine whether certain sociodemographic and medical history factors further increase the risk of CVD in AYA cancer survivors and also compare risk of CVD between AYA cancer survivors and the general population.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response:  We found that male sex, Black race, household income <$50K/year, and current or former smoking were all associated with increased risk of CVD in AYA cancer survivors. Additionally, performing any moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity was associated with lower CVD risk.

Compared to the general population, the risk of CVD was significantly higher in survivors by sex, race/ethnicity, income, education, smoking status, and physical activity.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: These results highlight the importance of long-term surveillance of adolescents and young adults after cancer treatment to ensure that appropriate screenings are initiated to reduce the risk of CVD and to promote healthy behavioral changes, such as physical activity, which impact long-term CVD outcomes.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: Further studies are needed to better understand the trajectory of health behavior change, to determine barriers to healthcare access, and to identify opportunities for intervention in AYA cancer survivors.

Citation:

The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website.

Last Updated on December 6, 2022 by Marie Benz MD FAAD