Trends and Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Burden Among Cancer Deaths in the U.S. (1999–2020): A CDC WONDER Disproportionality Analysis

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the leading causes of mortality in the U.S., with significant overlap in risk factors and outcomes. This study examines the burden of CVD in cancer-related deaths using the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) to identify disparities by sex, race, region, and urbanization from 1999 to 2020. Methods A disproportionality analysis was conducted to calculate ROR of CVD burden in cancer patients compared to non-cancer population across age groups 15–85 years. A ROR greater than 1 indicated a higher burden of CVD in cancer patients. Average Annual Percentage Changes (AAPCs) were calculated to evaluate trends, with p-values determining significance. Results The highest ROR across age groups was in the 15–24 group at 1.83, declining to 0.34 in ages 55–64, and rising to 0.56 in ages 85+. The yearly trends showed ROR increased in all groups, with the highest increase in 55–64 group (AAPC: 1.69). Males exhibited higher RORs than females, with the steepest increase in middle-aged females (AAPC: 2.59). Young Hispanics had the highest ROR among racial groups (15–24: 2.558), while the Midwest showed the highest regional ROR (15–24: 2.311). Urban areas had higher RORs than rural areas, with medical facilities reporting the highest RORs. Conclusion This study highlights significant disparities in CVD burden among cancer patients, with younger individuals, males, Hispanics, and urban residents at higher risk. The trends underscore the need for targeted cardio-oncological interventions, to mitigate the increasing burden of CVD and cancer. Addressing systemic disparities in healthcare access and delivery is critical to improving outcomes.