Quantifying mortality burden in patients with cancer due to COVID‐19 in the US: A national cross‐sectional analysis

Abstract

Abstract Introduction There is limited information on the impact of certain social factors on mortality outcomes in patients with cancer and COVID‐19 on a national scale. This study aims to characterize excess mortality and analyze a subset of sociodemographic trends in COVID‐19 and cancer mortality. Methods Patients with cancer listed on their death certificates from 2018 to 2021 and patients with COVID‐19 and cancer listed on multiple cause of death certificates from the CDC Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database from March 2020 to December 2021 were included. Age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 1,000,000 population were compared across race/ethnicity groups, sex, and census regions. Crude mortality rates were compared across different age groups and regions based on urbanization status. Results Average AAMR in patients with COVID‐19 and cancer was 41.7 in 2020 and 56.7 in 2021. Conclusions Mortality rates in patients with cancer and COVID‐19 were significantly higher in certain populations. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve outcomes.

Keywords

• cancer risk factors
• epidemiology and prevention
• medical oncology