Were cancer patients worse off than the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic? A population-based study from Norway, Denmark and Iceland during the pre-vaccination era

• DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100680
• Publication Date: 2023-07-10T19:53:14Z
• Authors: Anna L.V. Johansson; Anna Skog; Tom Børge Johannesen; Tor Åge Myklebust; Charlotte Wessel ...; Lina Steinrud Mørch; Søren Friis; Mads Gamborg; Marnar Fríðheim K...; David Pettersson; Elínborg J. Ólafs...; Helgi Birgisson; Runolfur Palsson; Elias Eythorsson; Sandra Irenaeus; Mats Lambe; Giske Ursin
• Keywords: Pandemic

In a population-based setting, we investigated the risks of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and developing severe COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients compared with general population.In nationwide cohorts, identified all individuals in Norway, Denmark Iceland who tested or had outcome (hospitalisation, intensive care, death) from March until December 2020, using data national health registries. We estimated standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing population.During first wave pandemic, Norway higher to population. Throughout recently treated were more likely test positive. Iceland, experienced no increased risk The COVID-19-related hospitalisation was diagnosed within one year (Norway: SIR = 2.43, CI 1.89-3.09; Denmark: 2.23, 1.96-2.54) five years 1.58, 1.35-1.83; 1.54, 1.42-1.66). Risks those haematologic malignancies, colorectal lung cancer. care death patients.Cancer at during pandemic when availability limited, while relative remained throughout 2020. Recent treatment malignancy strongest factors.Nordic Cancer Union.