Adult childhood cancer survivors who adhere to a healthy diet may be able to lower their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a recent study published in BMC Medicine. The study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and CVD risk in adult childhood cancer survivors.
Survival rates for childhood cancer have significantly increased over the years thanks to advancements in cancer treatments. However, these treatments can have long-term effects on various organ systems, increasing the risk of chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, later in life.
Diet is a known controllable risk factor for CVD. In the general population, a diet rich in healthy fats, plant-based foods, moderate sugar and salt intake, and limited animal-based foods has consistently been associated with a reduced risk of CVD. However, it is unclear whether this correlation applies to individuals who have survived childhood cancer.
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study, which includes adult childhood cancer survivors. The participants’ dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and categorized as either healthy or unhealthy patterns.
The study focused on three widely examined dietary patterns: the alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (aMED), Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score. These diets were analyzed to determine the relationship between a healthy dietary pattern and CVD risk. The researchers also considered the participants’ cardiovascular risk factors.
The primary outcome of the study was the presence of CVD, which was defined as a self-reported history of stroke, coronary artery disease, heart attack, or evidence of significant coronary artery stenosis based on cardiac imaging. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between CVD risk and dietary patterns, while accounting for potential confounding factors.
The study included 1,882 male and 1,634 female childhood cancer survivors, with an average follow-up time of 21.7 years since diagnosis. The prevalence of CVD among males and females was 17.2% and 13%, respectively. The analysis revealed low DASH and HEI-2015 scores for both genders, indicating poor adherence to recommended intakes for different food groups.
Women with CVD had lower dietary nutrient intakes and were older, while men with CVD were more likely to be non-White, older, physically inactive, and used dietary supplements. Cancer survivors with higher HEI-2015 scores tended to be older, more educated, non-smokers, physically active, and used dietary supplements.
Among males, high HEI-2015 scores were non-linearly associated with a lower risk of CVD, with a threshold effect observed at high scores. However, the aMED and DASH scores did not show a significant link to CVD risk in males. In contrast, aMED, HEI-2015, and DASH showed a linear relationship with a lower risk of CVD in females. High adherence to these healthy dietary patterns was associated with a reduced CVD risk in high-risk females, but not in the low-risk group.
Although not statistically significant, greater adherence to aMED, HEI-2015, and DASH was linked to a reduced risk of CVD in females. In males, higher adherence to the HEI-2015 score was associated with a non-significantly lower CVD risk.
The findings suggest that a diet moderate in animal products and high in plant foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains, should be an essential component of managing and preventing CVD in pediatric cancer survivors at an increased risk of developing this condition.
In conclusion, adhering to a healthy diet may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in adult childhood cancer survivors. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the specific dietary components that are most beneficial for this population. Nonetheless, promoting a balanced and nutritious diet can contribute to improved long-term health outcomes for childhood cancer survivors.
