Favorable Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Profile Is Associated With Lower Healthcare Costs Among Cancer Patients: The 2012–2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and cancer are among the leading causes of economic burden, morbidity, and mortality in the United States. We aimed to quantify the overall impact of cardiovascular modifiable risk factor (CRF) profile on healthcare expenditures among those with and without ASCVD and/or cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 2012–2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationally representative adult sample (≥40 years), was utilized for the study. Variables included ASCVD, CRF (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, physical activity and/or obesity), and cancer (all). Two‐part econometric models analyzed cost data. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey participants (n=27 275, 59±9 years, 52% female) were studied and 14% had cancer, translating to 25.6 million US adults over 40 years of age. A higher prevalence of ASCVD was noted in those with versus without cancer (25% versus 14%). Absence of ASCVD and a more favorable CRF profile were associated with significantly lower expenditures across the spectrum of cancer diagnosis. Among cancer patients, the adjusted mean annual cost for those with and without ASCVD were $10 852 (95% confidence interval [8917, 12 788]) and $6436 (95% confidence interval [5531, 7342]). Among cancer patients without ASCVD, adjusted annual healthcare expenditures among those with optimal versus poor CRF profile were $4782 and $7256. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative US adult population, absence of ASCVD and a favorable CRF profile were associated with significantly lower medical expenditure among cancer patients. This provides estimates to continue better cardiovascular management and prevention practices, while contextualizing the burden of cancer.