Cancer in systemic sclerosis

Arthritis Rheum. 1993 Apr;36(4):460-4. doi: 10.1002/art.1780360405.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether the frequency of cancer is increased among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 248 patients who were followed up prospectively was conducted.

Results: Cancers developed in 18 patients (7.3%) during 2,001 patient-years at risk. The most frequent types were cancers of the lung (7 patients) and breast (5 patients). Older age at diagnosis of SSc was a significant risk factor for cancer. Lung cancer was associated with the presence of pulmonary fibrosis. The age-standardized incidence rate for all cancers (7.9/1,000) was 2.1 times the overall rate in the Ontario population (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The frequency of cancer is increased in patients with SSc.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Lung Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Lung Neoplasms / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / epidemiology