Prevalence of Heart Disease and Diabetes in Individuals with Lung Cancer

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Kendall Schunk (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Background/Purpose: In the United States, the leading causes of death are Lung Cancer (LC) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). These diseases share many of the same risk factors as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2). Both CVD and DM2 are prevalent in the rural south, yet the prevalence of these comorbidities in those with LC are not well known. A concurrent diagnosis of CVD or DM2 with LC may worsen prognosis or limit treatment options: Thus, it is important to describe the severity of the problem. The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of CVD and DM2 in a diverse sample of persons with LC in the rural south.Methodology: This retrospective chart review included persons newly diagnosed with LC between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. Sociodemographic information and past medical history were extracted. CVD was defined as documented hypertension, coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular accident, and heart failure. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.Results: Most subjects (N=380) were male (59%) and married (47%). The mean age was 68 years. The diversity of the sample is representative of the regional population: 33% were Black and 47% lived in a federally designated rural county. In this sample, 93% had a smoking history. Prevalence rates for CVD were as follows: hypertension (76%), coronary artery disease (22%), carotid artery disease (3%), peripheral vascular disease (10%), cerebrovascular accident (14%), heart failure (14%). The prevalence of DM2 was 29%. 78% of White and Black participants had some form of CVD. 40% of each group had 2 or more diagnoses. Discussion: Comorbid conditions, such as CVD or DM2, may influence the disease trajectory or treatment options for those with LC. Disparities in access to quality healthcare have been noted on a geographical, gender, and racial basis. More research is needed to determine the role CVD and DM2 may have in LC disparities and how these comorbidities intersect in underserved populations. Minorities, especially those in rural areas, are more likely to be diagnosed with late stage LC and not receive appropriate referrals or guideline-based care. These variations in access to care, along with CVD and DM2 comorbidities, should be considered when caring for underserved populations with LC.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2020

Keywords

Cancer, Comorbidity, Disparity

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