A recent survey conducted by Swedish researchers has examined individuals under 25 who have been diagnosed with cancer since 1958. The study, conducted by researchers at Linköping University and Region Östergötland, revealed that cancer survivors are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, other types of cancer, and other health issues later in life. Additionally, the study identified that socioeconomic factors also impact the survival of cancer patients.Moreover, the scientists observed that economic factors played a role in the likelihood of survival. Since 1958, Sweden has been documenting all cancer patients in the National Cancer Register. Recently, Swedish researchers have utilized this registry to analyze the experiences of all cancer survivors who had the disease as a child, teenager, or adult to investigate their long-term outcomes. The findings have been released in the scientific publication called “The Lancet Regional Health — Europe.” “If you’ve had cancer as a child or teenager, you are at a higher risk for nearly all diagnoses in the future. This research sets the groundwork for understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon.Laila Hübbert, a researcher at Linköping University and consultant at the Cardiology Clinic at Vrinnevi Hospital in Norrköping, emphasizes the importance of considering certain factors when making decisions about cancer care. The study, which analyzed data from 63 years, compared approximately 65,000 cancer patients under the age of 25 with a control group of 313,000 individuals. The groups were matched in terms of age, sex, and housing situation. Additional information on morbidity, mortality, and demography was obtained from other registers. The researchers discovered that cancer survivors were more likely to have cardiovascular diseases later in life.Cancer survivors are three times more likely to develop cancer later in life, 1.23 times more likely to have cardiovascular disease, and had a 1.41 times higher risk of accidents, poisoning, and suicide. The healthcare system typically only follows up with cancer survivors for five years after treatment ends. This means they are considered healthy if the cancer has not returned after five years, and no further follow-up is planned. However, research suggests that this may not be enough.
According to the current study and previous ones, cancer survivors continue to carry a fragility that puts them at a higher risk of new diseases for the rest of their lives.The main risk factor for cardiovascular disease is the chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Patients should not be discharged too early without proper follow-up. It is crucial to identify these risk factors and diseases early on, according to Laila Hübbert.
Furthermore, the researchers found that socioeconomic factors significantly impact the risk of disease and death after cancer during young adulthood. Through cross-referencing of registries, they discovered that the risk is higher for individuals with lower levels of education, a foreign background, or unmarried status.This research indicates that the risk of disease and death after cancer among children and teenagers in Sweden is consistent regardless of their location. Martin Singull, a professor of mathematical statistics, has collaborated with medical clinics to analyze and merge extensive data from various sources. Singull stated, “We have employed reliable statistical models, but the complexity of the data presents a challenge. The data is sourced from multiple places, and we need to extract specific information. This is why we have also partnered with computer scientist Robin Keskisärkk.”
“Martin Singull who developed the database,” says, has expressed his thoughts on the project.
The next stage for the researchers involves analyzing the results in detail and delving into specific areas of interest to understand the reasons behind the observed trends. This will involve examining socioeconomic factors, the link between cardiovascular disease and cancer (referred to as cardio-oncology), and various other types of cancer.
Laila Hübbert comments on the uniqueness of the comprehensive survey, stating, “There aren’t many countries that can conduct such a thorough investigation. Sweden benefits from exceptional, high-quality national registers, making this project truly unique.”
