Sociodemographic trends in COVID-19 mortality in patients with cancer: A nationwide analysis.

Authors

null

Sree Jambunathan

University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH

Sree Jambunathan , Jacob Lang , Malik Mays , Mersiha Hadziahmetovic , Oluchi Ukaegbu Oke , Obi Ekwenna

Organizations

University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Ctr, Nashville, TN, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Urology and Transplantation, Toledo, OH

Research Funding

No funding received

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions in medical care, especially in those with cancer. Prior studies have demonstrated a higher risk of mortality in patients with cancer and COVID-19, which could be due to factors such as immunosuppression and higher burden of co-morbidities. However, there are limited studies examining the impact of sociodemographic factors including race, gender, rurality, and region on mortality in patients with COVID-19 and cancer. This study aims to characterize and analyze sociodemographic trends in COVID-19 mortality in patients with cancer. Methods: Data on patients with COVID-19 and cancer listed on death certificates from the Multiple Cause of Death Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database were extracted. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) were calculated and compared across sociodemographic groups. Results: A total of 18,467 total deaths occurred in patients with COVID-19 and cancer listed on multiple cause of death certificates in 2020, with overall AAMR of 4.4 (95% CI: 4.4-4.5). AAMR for patients with COVID-19 and cancer was significantly higher in Non-Hispanic (NH) Black or African American (7, 95% CI: 6.8-7.3), NH American Indian or Alaska Native (6.4, 95% CI: 5.4-7.3), and Hispanic or Latino (5.4, 95% CI: 5.2-5.7) groups than NH White (4, 95% CI: 3.9-4.1) and NH Asian or Pacific Islander (2.5, 95% CI: 2.3-2.7). AAMR was also higher in males (5.9, 95% CI: 5.8-6.1) and those in Northeast (5.6, 95% CI: 5.4-5.8) and Midwest (5.3, 95% CI: 5.2-5.5) census regions. Those in medium metro counties had significantly lower AAMR (3.8, 95% CI: 3.7-4) compared to other locations based on the NCHS Urban-Rural Classification Scheme for Counties. Conclusions: AAMR in patients with any cancer and COVID-19 was significantly higher in NH Black or African American, NH American Indian or Alaskan, and Hispanic or Latino race/ethnicity groups, as well as in males. Regional and rurality disparities also exist. This study highlights persistent disparities in COVID-19 and cancer outcomes and identifies groups at higher risk of mortality. Future studies examining sociodemographic trends in COVID-19 mortality in patients with specific cancers are necessary.

AAMR of patients with COVID-19 and cancer listed on multiple cause of death certificate.

Race
Age Adjusted Mortality Rate (95% CI)
NH Asian or Pacific Islander
2.5 (2.3-2.7)
NH White
4 (3.9-4.1)
Hispanic or Latino
5.4 (5.2-5.7)
NH American Indian or Alaska Native
6.4 (5.4-7.3)
NH Black or African American
7 (6.8-7.3)

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Abstract Details

Meeting

2022 ASCO Annual Meeting

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Hereditary Cancer

Track

Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Genetics

Sub Track

Etiology/Epidemiology

Citation

J Clin Oncol 40, 2022 (suppl 16; abstr 10571)

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2022.40.16_suppl.10571

Abstract #

10571

Poster Bd #

446

Abstract Disclosures

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