Childhood cancer survivors already face a host of challenges and potential health risks as a result of their cancer treatments. However, recent research indicates that they may also face disparities in cardiovascular risk factors that are similar to those seen in the general population. This highlights the need for continued monitoring of these survivors and interventions to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease. In this article, we will explore the research on these disparities and the implications for childhood cancer survivors.
Black and Hispanic survivors of childhood cancer have more cardiovascular risk factors than white survivors by age 40, according to research published in JACC: CardioOncology. The analysis was conducted using data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and compared incidences of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and the presence of two or more cardiovascular risk factors by race/ethnicity of adult childhood cancer survivors. The study found that Black survivors had higher rates of incidence of hypertension, obesity and multiple cardiovascular risk factors compared to white survivors, while Hispanic survivors had a higher incidence of diabetes and obesity. The racial and ethnic disparities were similar for the CCSS sibling and NHANES cohorts, highlighting systemic drivers of differences in genetic predisposition to late cardiac outcomes such as cardiomyopathy. In the United States, childhood cancer survivors demonstrate a burden of disease for each cardiovascular risk factor with cumulative incidence ranging from 5% to 50% by age 40, according to the study. The results emphasize the need to promote equity in cardiovascular health on a population level. The study was conducted by the Duke University department of pediatrics and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
In conclusion, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the disparities in cardiovascular risk factors among childhood cancer survivors, especially as they navigate their long-term survivorship journey. While survivors face unique challenges, such as exposure to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, it is imperative that healthcare providers consider screening for and managing traditional risk factors – such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity – to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease. By implementing preventive measures, we can ensure that childhood cancer survivors lead healthier, longer lives, and mitigate potential risk factors that could disrupt their quality of life in the future.
