Fall-Related Injuries in Older Adult Cancer Survivors : A Decade of Racial Disparities

Background: As the population ages and the number of cancer survivors in the USA continues to rise, fall-related injuries are becoming an increasingly critical public health issue. The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence and prevalence of fall-related injuries among older adult cancer survivors, with a particular focus on identifying and understanding racial disparities in fall risk between Black and White cohorts. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using data from 19,370 older adult cancer survivors aged 65 and above, extracted from the TriNetX network at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS). The study spanned from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023. Demographic information, including age, sex, race, and ethnicity, as well as ICD-10 codes for cancer history and fall-related injuries, were analyzed. Incidence rates were calculated as cases per person-day. Results: The study found that 7% of the cancer survivors experienced a new fall-related injury, with a prevalence rate of 8% over the study period. The incidence rate was calculated at 0.00005432 cases per person-day. Black or African American survivors exhibited a higher fall risk (4.915%) compared to their White counterparts (4.048%), with a statistically significant risk difference of 0.867% (95% CI: 0.199% to 1.534%). Discussion The findings of this study are consistent with existing literature that highlights the increased fall risk among older adult cancer survivors. The observed racial disparities in fall-related injuries underscore the need for targeted interventions that address the specific challenges faced by minority populations. The study's large sample size and comprehensive dataset strengthen the generalizability of the results, although the reliance on automated ICD-10 coding presents a potential limitation in data accuracy. Conclusions This study reveals significant racial disparities in fall-related injuries among older adult cancer survivors, particularly between Black and White individuals. The findings suggest the need for culturally sensitive and equitable healthcare strategies to improve the quality of life for all cancer survivors.