Bonnie Ky, MD, MSCE, FACC
Bonnie Ky, MD, MSCE, FACC, underscored the significant disparities in cardiovascular risk factors by race and ethnicity among adult survivors of childhood cancer, noting the increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic cancer survivors compared with non-Hispanic White cancer survivors. Dr. Ky is the Founders Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology and physician scientist at the University of Pennsylvania as well as Director of the Thalheimer Center for Cardio-oncology and Director of the Penn Center for Quantitative Echocardiography.
“The results of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study [CCSS] highlight a significant health disparity, demonstrating 20% of non-Hispanic Black cancer survivors reported hypertension—a figure noticeably higher than in their counterparts within other ethnic groups,” said Dr. Ky. “In addition, nearly half of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic cancer survivors were obese by age 40 compared with about one-third of non-Hispanic White cancer survivors.”
According to Dr. Ky, findings from the CCSS expose significant disparities in cardiovascular risk by race and ethnicity as well as the potential risks for cancer survivors who have received multiple cardiotoxic therapies. “There’s a potential for these disparities to become even further magnified in the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease development,” she observed. “At-risk populations need personalized plans to prevent, detect, and treat cardiovascular disease.”
‘Equitable Cardiovascular Care for All’
Dr. Ky emphasized the need for national guidance and consensus recommendations to ensure equitable cardiovascular care, particularly for at-risk populations. As Editor-in-Chief of JACC: CardioOncology, she also encouraged experts and researchers to contribute to the journal’s upcoming call for papers on disparities in cardio-oncology.
“I hope JACC: CardioOncology can become a go-to resource to motivate evidence-based, empathic care for patients and stimulate new scientific advancements to improve patient health,” Dr. Ky concluded. “We must work together as a community to overcome structural racism and societal biases to ensure equitable cardiovascular care for all.”
DISCLOSURE: Dr. Ky reported no conflicts of interest.
