Cancer Risk in Patients with Blood Clots
Author Information
Author(s): Murchison J T, Wylie L, Stockton D L
Primary Institution: The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Hypothesis
Is there an increased incidence of cancer in patients with a new diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE)?
Conclusion
Patients with a primary episode of VTE have a significantly increased risk of being diagnosed with cancer, particularly within the first two years after diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with VTE had a 7.5% incidence of first primary cancer after diagnosis.
- The standardised incidence ratio for all cancers was 1.28 compared to expected rates.
- Excess risk of cancer was highest within 1–6 months after VTE diagnosis.
- Older patients had a greater absolute risk of malignancy after VTE.
- Excess risk of cancer persisted for the first two years after VTE diagnosis.
Takeaway
If someone has a blood clot, they might have a higher chance of getting cancer later, especially in the first two years after the clot.
Methodology
The study analyzed linked health records of Scottish patients diagnosed with DVT or PE from 1982 to 2000 to assess cancer incidence.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of risk due to miscoding or loss of subjects through migration.
Limitations
The study relies on accurate coding and linkage of health records, and may not capture undiagnosed cases of VTE.
Participant Demographics
55% female, 45% male; age distribution included patients as young as 39 and older than 80.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.28
Confidence Interval
1.25–1.33
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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