Adult survivors of childhood cancer are significantly more likely to develop severe COVID-19, even decades after their diagnosis, according to a new study by the Karolinska Institute. Published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, the research highlights the lingering health vulnerabilities of this group, despite their lower overall risk of infection.
The study analyzed data from over 13,000 adults in Sweden and Denmark who had been diagnosed with cancer before age 20. These individuals were compared to both their siblings and the general population. While childhood cancer survivors were less likely to contract COVID-19, their risk of severe outcomes—such as hospitalization, intensive care, or death—was 58% higher if infected.
The heightened risk was particularly pronounced during surges of highly transmissible variants like Alpha and Omicron. Notably, Sweden, which relied on recommendations rather than strict measures, saw a greater disparity in severe outcomes compared to Denmark, where early interventions were implemented.
Dr. Javier Louro, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of recognizing these survivors as a vulnerable group. “Even though they weren’t infected more often, the consequences were far more serious when they did fall ill,” he explained.
The findings underscore the need to prioritize childhood cancer survivors in future pandemic responses, including vaccination campaigns and protective measures during high-transmission periods. The study calls for targeted strategies to safeguard this at-risk population in health crises.
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