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INFLAMMATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH ACCUMULATION OF COMORBIDITIES IN CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS: AN EXPLORATORY, SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF NHANES DATA.

Background & Significance: Around 85% of individuals diagnosed with childhood cancer reach long-term survivorship (i.e., ≥5 years survival post-diagnosis). However, a large proportion of these survivors experience late- and long-term health effects that hinder well-being and quality of life. While a...

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Published in:Oncology Nursing Forum Vol. 53; no. 2; pp. 25 - 27
Main Authors: Ma, Gabriela, Lustyik, Abigail, Conley, Yvette, Belcher, Sarah
Format: Journal Article
Published: Oncology Nursing Society Mar2026
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: Mar2026
      vid: 53
      iid: 2
      pid: 12496
      pub: Oncology Nursing Society
      place: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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        10.1188/26.ONF.e26535273
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        atl: INFLAMMATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH ACCUMULATION OF COMORBIDITIES IN CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS: AN EXPLORATORY, SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF NHANES DATA.
      aug:
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          Ma, Gabriela
          Lustyik, Abigail
          Conley, Yvette
          Belcher, Sarah
        affil: Nursing Student, University of Pittsburgh - School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA
      sug:
      ab: Background & Significance: Around 85% of individuals diagnosed with childhood cancer reach long-term survivorship (i.e., ≥5 years survival post-diagnosis). However, a large proportion of these survivors experience late- and long-term health effects that hinder well-being and quality of life. While a growing body of literature has identified these health sequelae, there is a critical need for continued investigation of the maladaptive inflammatory processes theorized to underly this health decline. Purpose: This study aims to explore associations between inflammation and comorbidities in childhood cancer survivors. Understanding the biological pathways contributing to physical health decline in childhood cancer survivors is necessary to develop precision health interventions. Oncology nurses should be aware of these unique health challenges to continue to support and provide evidence-based care to childhood cancer survivors. Methods: This exploratory secondary analysis leveraged NHANES (1999- 2010), a large cross-sectional dataset of individuals in the United States. Self-report questionnaires collected sociodemographic, clinicopathological, and comorbidity data. Inflammation was measured by C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP was analyzed by latex-enhanced nephelometry with a Dade Behring Nephelometer II Analyzer System, and values were log-transformed for analysis. While controlling for age, race, and gender, a survey-adjusted generalized linear regression model evaluated associations between comorbidity count and CRP. Findings and Interpretations: Most participants (n = 75) were female (70.7%), white (65.3%), and, on average, 34 years old at survey completion (range: 20-83). Median age in years at cancer diagnosis was 15 (range: 0-18), and median time since diagnosis was 21 years (range: 2-78). The top three most common cancers were cervical (n = 19, 27.9%), "other" (n = 11, 16.2%), and lymphoma (n = 8, 11.8%). Median comorbidity count was 1 (range 0-8). Arthritis (n = 28, 37.3%), hypertension (n = 27, 36.0%), and hypercholesteremia (n = 22, 29.3%) were the top three most prevalent comorbidities. Median CRP was 0.36 (range 0.01-4.30). Comorbidity count was positively associated with CRP (F(1, 27) = 16.28, p < 0.01). Each additional comorbidity was associated with a 52% increase in CRP. Discussion: Most childhood cancer survivors reported experiencing at least one comorbidity. CRP values were low on average but variable. To optimize survivorship experiences and aid in the development of prevention, early detection, and intervention strategies, future longitudinal studies should assess the relationship between biological mechanisms and health deficits in childhood cancer survivors.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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