Family history of cancer as a risk factor for Long COVID among United States adults

Background Previous research has identified several risk factors for Long COVID including cancer. However, the family history of cancer is yet to be explored as a potential risk factor for Long COVID. This study aims to assess whether adults with family history of cancer had a higher risk for Long COVID. Methods This cross-sectional study used data on 25,389 adults, who were not cancer patients or survivors, from the nationally representative 2023 National Health Interview Survey. Long COVID was defined as having symptoms for ≥ 3 months. Multivariable generalized linear models with log link and Poisson distribution were estimated to assess the prevalence of Long COVID for self-reported family history of cancer. Models were adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic attributes, and health conditions and behaviors that are deemed as known risk factors for Long COVID. Results Long COVID prevalence in the study population was 8.39%. Adults with family history of cancer were 1.15 (95% CI: 1.04–1.28) times more likely to have Long COVID, compared to their counterparts without any family history of cancer. Conclusion These findings suggest that familial or genetic factors associated with cancer susceptibility may also contribute to Long COVID risk. Further research is needed to explore potential biological mechanisms underlying this association.