Long-Term Risks for Childhood Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Recent research from Karolinska Institutet has highlighted that adults who survived cancer during childhood face a heightened risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 infections, even decades after their initial treatment. Published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe, the study emphasizes the importance of recognizing this vulnerable group in pandemic preparedness and response strategies.

Advancements in medical treatments have significantly improved survival rates for childhood cancer, leading to a growing population of adult survivors. However, these individuals often carry long-term health risks that can influence their response to illnesses like COVID-19. The study examined over 13,000 adults from Sweden and Denmark who had been diagnosed with cancer before age 20 and were at least 20 years old during the pandemic.

The findings revealed that while childhood cancer survivors were less likely to contract COVID-19 compared to the general population, they were 58% more likely to develop severe forms of the disease once infected. Severe COVID-19 was characterized by hospitalization, intensive care, or death related to the virus. Notably, during periods of high viral transmission, such as when variants like alpha and omicron spread rapidly, the increased risk was more pronounced. The difference was particularly evident in Sweden, where pandemic measures were primarily recommendations rather than strict restrictions, compared to Denmark's early and strict interventions.

Dr. Javier Louro, the study’s lead author, emphasizes the clinical implications: "Even though infection rates were lower among survivors, the severity was notably higher. This suggests the need for targeted protective measures, including prioritization for vaccination and specialized precautions during outbreaks."

The research underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and tailored healthcare strategies for childhood cancer survivors, considering their increased vulnerability in health crises. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Danish Cancer Institute and highlights the necessity of integrating long-term health considerations into pandemic planning for at-risk populations.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-adults-survived-childhood-cancer-severe.html]