Key result
Age ≥75 linked to ~5-fold higher odds of concurrent CVD and cancer.
Why the study?
Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death in the United States, and the prevalence and characteristics of individuals affected by both conditions were not well defined.
Cross-Sectional (n=442,964)
Yes
Odds Ratio: 4.9 (95% CI 4.6–5.1)
There is a significant and age-dependent double burden of cardiovascular disease and cancer in the US population, with 3% of adults affected by both conditions.
Comorbid CVD-cancer burden may guide integrated survivorship care; leaves open targeted risk models and interventions.
OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the two leading causes of death in the United States; at the same time, the number of survivors is increasing as therapies continue to improve. The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and characteristics of individuals affected by both CVD and cancer. DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a prevalence study using the 2009 and 2010 national Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System population survey. Data from a random sample of individuals (aged 25-99 years) from all states were collected. All participants provided information regarding their CVD and cancer status. Multivariable regression identified associations between participants' characteristics and the prevalence of double disease burden. RESULTS: Amongst 442,964 study participants, the overall prevalence rates were 11% for CVD and 15% for cancer; 3% of participants reported being survivors of both CVD and cancer. The prevalence of CVD+cancer increased twofold by 65 years of age (odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-2.5) and doubled again at ≥75 years (OR 4.9, 95% CI 4.6-5.1) and was higher amongst men (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.6-1.7), multiracial individuals (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.0) and those without a high school diploma (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.4). Amongst individuals with CVD, 25% also reported having cancer, whilst 19% of all cancer survivors reported having CVD. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the double burden of disease increased with age; this is particularly important as the 'baby boomers' reach this high-risk age group. Future studies should explore potential common upstream or downstream mechanisms of CVD and cancer as well as public health strategies to cope with the double burden of disease.
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Kreatsoulas et al. (2013) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular disease and cancer (n=442,964). Age ≥75 years vs. Younger age was evaluated on Prevalence of double disease burden (CVD and cancer) (OR 4.9, 95% CI 4.6-5.1). Among 442,964 US adults, 3% had both cardiovascular disease and cancer, with the odds of this double burden increasing nearly fivefold at age ≥75 years (OR 4.9; 95% CI 4.6-5.1).
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