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

Overview

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.