Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Young Cancer Survivors

Young cancer survivors are at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, with researchers warning of the potential long-term complications of cancer treatment. A study published in Cardio-Oncology found that children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer experience a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease compared to the general population. The study analyzed a cohort of Swedish cancer patients under the age of 25 and found that the median age at first cardiovascular event was significantly lower in cancer survivors compared to matched controls.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer are at risk of long-term health complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Sociodemographic characteristics and traditional cardiovascular risk factors may contribute to disparities in outcomes compared with the general population.
• The median age at first CVD was 41.8 years in cancer survivors and 49.6 years in matched controls.
• Factors associated with increased mortality risk include male sex and geographic variation, whereas marriage and higher education appear to be protective.
• The study suggests that early cardiovascular events in young cancer survivors may be associated with higher mortality risk.
• The risk of CVD is significantly higher in young cancer survivors compared to the general population.

Statistics:

• A cohort of 58,981 Swedish cancer patients under 25 years old was included in the study.
• The median age at first CVD was 41.8 years in cancer survivors and 49.6 years in matched controls (p < 0.001).
• The study found that male sex and geographic variation were associated with increased mortality risk, while marriage and higher education were protective.
• The relative risk of mortality was 1.23 times higher in cancer survivors compared to matched controls.

Sources:

• Timing and combinations of cardiovascular diseases in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adulthood cancer. Cardio-Oncology, 2025;11(1):92.
• Linkoping University
• NewsRx. Studies from Linkoping University Have Provided New Data on Cardiovascular Diseases and Conditions (Timing and combinations of cardiovascular diseases in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adulthood cancer). Pediatrics Week. November 1, 2025; p 777.