Prevalence, patterns, and determinants of multimorbidity among childhood and adult cancer survivors: A systematic review.
Ogechukwu A Asogwa, Dan Yedu Quansah, Daniel Boakye, Obiageli Ezewuiro, Daniel Boateng
Abstract
Development of multimorbidity is common among cancer survivors due to their previous cancer, treatments, or changes in lifestyle. We summarized evidence on the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of multimorbidity among childhood and adult cancer survivors. We searched PubMed and EMBASE databases for articles reporting prevalence, patterns, and determinants of multimorbidity in cancer survivors. Finally, 23/500 articles were included. There was a large variation in the prevalence of multimorbidity (13–89%) among cancer survivors. Bone marrow transplantation, radiation, female sex, lower level of physical activity, increasing age, minority ethnicity, low-income, and low-education were associated with a higher prevalence of multimorbidity. Patterns of multimorbidity were both concordant and discordant. In conclusion, multimorbidity is highly prevalent and a major concern among cancer survivors. A personalized care plan that takes into account the identified risk may be beneficial to reduce the burden of multimorbidity and improve the quality of life among cancer survivors. • Among cancer survivors, multimorbidity is highly prevalent and a major concern. • Multimorbidity has different patterns of clustering that are both concordant and discordant. • Multimorbidity is associated with patient characteristics, treatment-related factors, and lifestyle factors. • Personalized care plans may be helpful to lessen the burden of multimorbidity and enhance the quality of life for survivors.