Quick Facts About DVT/PE in Oncology

DVT/PE Incidence and Impact

  • Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE) are often underdiagnosed and serious, but preventable medical conditions.
  • It is estimated that up to 600,000 people in the United States are affected by DVT/PE each year, and that up to 100,000 Americans die each year due to DVT/PE.
  • 10% to 30% of people affected by DVT/PE will die within one month of diagnosis.
  • In about 25% of people who experience a PE, the first “symptom” is sudden death.
  • Among people who have had a DVT, one-third will have long-term complications (post-thrombotic syndrome) such as swelling, pain, discoloration, and scaling in the affected limb.
  • One-third (about 33%) of people with DVT/PE will have a recurrence within 10 years.

DVT/PE in Oncology

  •  All patients with active cancer are at increased risk for DVT/PE, but the risk is greater for cancer patients who are hospitalized, have surgery, or undergo certain types of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
  • Without prophylaxis (preventative anticoagulant medication), 40% to 80% of surgical oncology patients will develop DVT in the calf vein.
  • Without prophylaxis, 4% to 10% of surgical oncology patients will develop PE, and about 1% to 5% of these PEs will be fatal.
  • Mortality is greater among cancer patients with DVT/PE than among those with cancer alone.

NBCA DVT/PE Awareness Survey Results – Oncology – Read More
DVT/PE Prophylaxis Underutilized – Read More
Risk Versus Awareness and Information – Read More
NBCA Survey Methodology – Read More

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The NBCA DVT/PE Awareness Survey was made possible by a grant from Ortho-McNeil™, a Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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