Adults who survived childhood cancer are at increased risk of severe COVID-19, says new study

Childhood cancer survivors face a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe by researchers at Karolinska Institutet. The study, which focused on adult childhood cancer survivors in Sweden and Denmark, sheds light on the long-term health impacts of cancer treatment on individuals, even decades after their diagnosis.

Despite advancements in medical treatments that have improved survival rates for children with cancer, the study found that childhood cancer survivors were 58% more likely to experience severe COVID-19 if they contracted the virus. The research included over 13,000 individuals who had been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20 and were at least 20 years old when the pandemic began. They were compared with siblings and randomly selected individuals from the general population.

The results indicated that while childhood cancer survivors had a lower risk of contracting COVID-19, the consequences were more severe when they did become infected. Severe COVID-19 was defined as requiring hospitalization, intensive care, or death related to the infection. The study also highlighted that the risk of severe disease was more pronounced during periods of high transmission, such as the spread of new virus variants like alpha and omicron.

Lead author of the study, Javier Louro, emphasized the importance of recognizing childhood cancer survivors as a vulnerable group during health crises like pandemics. The findings suggest that these individuals should be considered a high-risk group and may benefit from prioritized vaccination or additional protective measures during periods of heightened transmission.

Collaborating with the Danish Cancer Institute, the research underscores the need for tailored healthcare strategies to support childhood cancer survivors in navigating the risks associated with COVID-19 and future health crises. By acknowledging and addressing the unique vulnerabilities of this population, healthcare systems can better protect and support individuals who have already overcome significant health challenges in their lives.

For more information on the study, the full article can be accessed in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe with the DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101363. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden.

As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the specific risks faced by vulnerable populations like childhood cancer survivors is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support systems. By prioritizing the needs of these individuals, healthcare providers can ensure that all members of society receive the necessary care and protection during times of crisis.