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Journal of Cancer Survivorship

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01-12-2018

The effect of comorbidities on outcomes in colorectal cancer survivors: a population-based cohort study

Authors: Colleen A. Cuthbert, Brenda R. Hemmelgarn, Yuan Xu, Winson Y. Cheung

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 6/2018

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the prevalence of comorbidities and the association of these comorbidities with demographics, tumor characteristics, treatments received, overall survival, and causes of death in a population-based cohort of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods

Adult patients with stage I–III CRC diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were included. Comorbidities were captured using Charlson comorbidity index. Causes of death were categorized using International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision codes. Patients were categorized into five mutually exclusive comorbid groups (cardiovascular disease alone, diabetes alone, cardiovascular disease plus diabetes, other comorbidities, or no comorbidities). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

There were 12,265 patients. Mean follow-up was 3.8 years. Approximately one third of patients had a least one comorbidity, with cardiovascular disease and diabetes being most common. There were statistically significant differences across comorbid groups on treatments received and overall survival. Those with comorbidity had lower odds of treatment and greater risk of death than those with no comorbidity. Those with cardiovascular disease plus diabetes fared the worst for prognosis (median overall survival 3.3 [2.8–3.7] years; adjusted HR for death, 2.27, 95% CI 2.0–2.6, p < .001). Cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of non-CRC death.

Conclusions

CRC patients with comorbidity received curative intent treatment less frequently and experienced worse outcomes than patients with no comorbidity. Cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of non-cancer death.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Management of comorbidities, including healthy lifestyle coaching, at diagnosis and into survivorship is an important component of cancer care.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: The effect of comorbidities on outcomes in colorectal cancer survivors: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Colleen A. Cuthbert
Brenda R. Hemmelgarn
Yuan Xu
Winson Y. Cheung
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-018-0710-z

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Purpose

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