CVD Risk Increased for Adolescent, Young Adult Cancer Survivors

MONDAY, Dec. 5, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors have increased odds of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which are reduced with performance of any moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), according to a study published online Dec. 5 in Cancer.

Amy M. Berkman, M.D., from the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, and colleagues used self-reported data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey for 2009 to 2018 to examine the risks for CVD based on sociodemographic and modifiable risk factors for AYA cancer survivors (at least two years postdiagnosis) and age- and sex-matched controls.

Data were included for 4,766 AYA cancer survivors and 47,660 controls. The researchers found that compared with controls, survivors had significantly higher odds of CVD by sex, race/ethnicity, income, education, smoking status, and physical activity. The odds of CVD in survivors were disproportionately increased with an annual household income <$50,000. Among the survivors, one-third reported no MVPA. The odds of CVD were reduced for survivors and controls performing any MVPA (odds ratios, 0.61 and 0.68, respectively).

"These results highlight the importance of long-term surveillance of AYAs 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," Berkman said in a statement.

One author disclosed receiving fees from Moving Analytics.

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