Recommended and observed statin use among US adults with and without cancer.

Abstract

Patients with cancer are at increased cardiovascular risk. We aimed to compare the recommended and observed statin use among individuals with and without cancer. Using three 2-year cycles from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] (2013-2018), we analyzed data from 17,050 USA adults. We compared the prevalence of class 1 statin recommendations and use between individuals with and without cancer, overall and among different demographic groups. Individuals with a history of cancer were older and had a higher burden of co-morbidities. Stratified by age groups, they were more likely to have a secondary prevention indication compared to individuals without cancer, but not a primary prevention indication for statin. Among individuals with an indication for statin therapy, the prevalence of statin use was higher in the cancer group compared to those without cancer (60.8% vs 47.8%, p < 0.001), regardless of sex, type of indication (primary vs secondary prevention), and education level. However, the higher prevalence of statin use in the cancer group was noted among younger individuals, ethnic minorities, and those with lower family income. Our finding highlights the importance of optimization of cardiovascular health in patients with cancer, as Individuals with cancer were more likely to have a class 1 indication for statin treatment when compared to individuals without cancer. Important differences in statin use among cohorts based on sex, age, ethnicity, and SES were identified, which may provide a framework through which cardiovascular risk factor control can be targeted in this population.