PCN2 - Prevalence of Comorbidities and Health Status among Current Cancer and Cancer Survivors: An Australian Population-Based Study

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A greater number of people are now living with and beyond cancer than in the past. However, relatively little is known about the types and burden of diseases among the Australian population living with cancer. This research aims to assess the prevalence of comorbidities and health status among people with a current cancer and cancer survivors compared with the general population. Data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics from 2011-12 National Health Survey were utilised for this cross-sectional study. Comparisons were made between adults aged 25 years and over with a current cancer (n=322), cancer survivors (n=1848) and those respondents who did not report having had a cancer (n=11592), using descriptive analysis and logistic regression models for comorbidities and measures of health status. The odds of reporting mental and behavioural problems (current cancer adjusted odd ratio 2.56, 95% confidence interval 1.98-3.30; cancer survivor 1.12, 1.06-1.40), circulatory conditions (current cancer 1.39, 1.09-1.78; cancer survivor 1.21, 1.08-1.36), musculoskeletal conditions (current cancer 1.67, 1.31-2.14; cancer survivor 1.33, 1.19-1.48) and endocrine system disorders (current cancer 1.31, 1.02-1.69; cancer survivor 1.17, 1.04-1.32) were significantly higher among the cancer groups when each was compared with the non-cancer control group. The estimated odd ratios were generally higher among respondents with current cancer than cancer survivors. The levels of disease burden were highest among respondents with current cancer followed by cancer survivors when each group was compared to the non-cancer control group in terms of number of health conditions, self-assessed health status and mental well-being measured by Kessler score. Comorbidity is highly prevalent among cancer populations and the levels of disease burden varied by cancer status. Our results further support the need to develop models of care that effectively address the multiple chronic conditions experienced by cancer patients and survivors.