Cardiovascular Disease and Breast Cancer: Where These Entities Intersect: A Scientific Statement From the American...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology and Oncology
• Women's Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality in women, despite a common perception that breast cancer poses a greater threat.
• Both CVD and breast cancer share risk factors like obesity and smoking.
• Breast cancer treatments can negatively impact cardiovascular health, potentially influencing treatment decisions for women with pre-existing CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of CVD and breast cancer in women.
• To highlight shared risk factors and the cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapies.
• To outline strategies for preventing and treating CVD in breast cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• This document is a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.
• It synthesizes current knowledge on the prevalence of CVD and breast cancer.
• It reviews shared risk factors, treatment-related cardiotoxicity, and management strategies.

Main Results:

• CVD is a greater mortality risk than breast cancer for older women.
• Breast cancer survivors face long-term cardiac risks from cancer treatments.
• Early detection and treatment of breast cancer increase the number of survivors at risk for cardiac complications.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of CVD in the context of breast cancer is crucial for women's health.
• Addressing shared risk factors and managing treatment-induced cardiotoxicity are essential.
• This statement provides a framework for the prevention and treatment of CVD in breast cancer patients.