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Women's cardiovascular health - the cardio-oncologic jigsaw
M Ray1,2, L E Butel-Simoes1,2, J M Lombard3
1Cardiovascular Department, John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
Insights
Cancer survivors, especially women with breast cancer, face increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Early assessment, ongoing monitoring, and exercise are vital for managing cancer and CVD, improving long-term health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Cardio-oncology
Background:
- Cancer survival rates have significantly increased, leading to a rise in long-term comorbidities.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major concern for cancer survivors due to treatment complications and shared risk factors.
- Women with cancer experience exacerbated cardiovascular disparities, particularly when co-diagnosed with CVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review essential cardiovascular care strategies for women throughout their cancer journey.
- To highlight the importance of risk assessment, long-term surveillance, and physical activity.
- To emphasize the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing cardiovascular health in cancer survivors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on cardiovascular care in cancer survivors.
- Analysis of risk factors, treatment complications, and management strategies for CVD in cancer patients.
- Examination of the benefits of exercise and collaborative care models.
Main Results:
- Baseline cardiovascular risk assessment and management are crucial.
- Long-term surveillance is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health.
- Physical exercise demonstrates significant benefits for both cancer and cardiovascular outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A holistic approach integrating oncology and cardiac services (cardio-oncology) is vital.
- Collaboration among specialists, general practitioners, and patients is key to ensuring long-term health.
- Addressing cardiovascular disparities in women with cancer requires coordinated and proactive care.
Abstract:
Improvements in cancer care have led to an exponential increase in cancer survival. This is particularly the case for breast cancer, where 5-year survival in Australia exceeds 90%. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as one of the competing causes of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors, both as a complication of cancer therapies and because the risk factors for cancer are shared with those for CVD. In this review we cover the key aspects of cardiovascular care for women throughout their cancer journey: the need for baseline cardiovascular risk assessment and management, a crucial component of the cardiovascular care; the importance of long-term surveillance for ongoing maintenance of cardiovascular health; and strong evidence for the beneficial effects of physical exercise to improve both cancer and cardiovascular outcomes. There is general disparity in cardiovascular outcomes for women, which is further exacerbated when both CVD and cancer co-exist. Collaboration between oncology and cardiac services, with an emergence of the whole field of cardio-oncology, allows for expedited investigation and treatment for these patients. This collaboration as well as a holistic approach to patient care and key role of patients' general practitioners are essential to ensure long-term health of people living with, during and beyond cancer.
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