Rising comorbidity burden after cancer diagnosis: evidence from Flemish general practice (2001–2020)

We study how often additional chronic conditions occur in people with cancer in Flemish general practices. We use existing anonymized data. There are no extra tests or risks for patients. The goal is to improve care and follow-up for cancer patients.

This retrospective cohort study uses data from the Intego registry to compare the prevalence and incidence of chronic conditions among patients with breast, colon, prostate, or lung cancer versus matched controls without cancer. The analysis covers 2001–2020 and examines trends over two decades.

• Prevalence of comorbidity at diagnosis
• Incidence of comorbidity within 1, 3, and 5 years
• Trends over time (2001–2010 vs. 2011–2020)