Cardiovascular disease burden and risk factor management in cancer survivors: insights into a multiethnic, socioeconomically deprived urban population.

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden and risk factor management among cancer survivors, especially in socioeconomically deprived, multiethnic populations, remain understudied. This study examines CVD burden and risk factor control in survivors of 20 cancer types within a diverse urban population.

Methods: This matched cohort study used electronic health records from 127 urban primary care practices. Cancer survivors were matched to non-cancer comparators at a 1:4 ratio. Cancer and CVD diagnoses were defined using standard clinical code sets. Sociodemographic variables, lifestyle behaviours, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and statin prescriptions were analysed. Multivariable regression evaluated associations between cancer history, CVD prevalence and risk factor control.

Results: The cohort included 18 839 cancer survivors (43% men, average age 64±15 years), with high ethnic diversity (48% White, 24% Black, 22% Asian) and high deprivation levels. Cancer survivors had elevated odds of all CVDs considered, independent of shared risk factors. Heart failure was more common in haematological (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.44 to 3.09) and breast cancer survivors (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.64). Patients with bladder (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.20 to 1.87) and lung cancer (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.87) had higher odds of ischaemic heart disease. Venous thromboembolism risk was highest in ovarian cancer (OR 5.72; 95% CI 3.54 to 9.32). Blood pressure control was slightly better in cancer survivors (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97), yet one in three patients did not meet guideline-directed targets. Statin use and cholesterol management were similar between survivors and controls, but disparities were observed within certain ethnic groups.

Conclusion: Cancer survivors have an elevated risk of CVD, with variations by cancer type and ethnicity. Despite comparable or slightly better control of major risk factors, a significant proportion of cancer survivors do not achieve guideline-recommended targets, highlighting the need for optimised management strategies, particularly in high-risk subgroups.