The Cardio-Oncology Patients-What They Know and What They Should Know

The growing number of patients after oncological treatment makes knowledge about potential cardiovascular complications of cancer therapy particularly important. Early recognition of symptoms enables the rapid initiation of appropriate therapy and improves outcomes. Education in this field increases awareness of the need for regular cardiology follow-up and adherence to health recommendations. It is advisable for patient education on the risk of cardiotoxicity to be included during visits with both the oncologist and the cardiologist. A self-developed questionnaire was used. It consisted of 40 questions (including 16 from the Health Behavior Scale) and 8 additional sociodemographic questions. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by 243 patients of the cardio-oncology outpatient clinic operating within the Department of Cardiology in Poland. In the survey conducted, patients were asked to define the concept of cardio-oncology; only 23.5% of respondents provided a correct answer. The highest level of awareness was observed among individuals under the age of 40 (p = 0.001) and of higher education levels (p < 0.001). Better knowledge was also noted among respondents who recalled being informed by their doctor about complications (p < 0.001) and among those who had undergone cardiological examinations (p = 0.005). The findings further revealed that respondents who recognized the importance of cardiac monitoring following therapy were significantly more likely to engage in health behaviors (p < 0.001). Particularly concerning was the limited communication regarding cardiovascular risks associated with cancer treatment. Only 24.3% of patients reported having been informed (or recalled being informed) by their oncologist about the potential cardiotoxic effects of anticancer drugs. Approximately one-third of respondents (32%) had not been referred for a cardiology consultation during their cancer treatment. Despite this, an overwhelming majority (95.5%) expressed the belief that a cardiologist should assess all oncology patients. These findings underscore critical deficiencies in patients' education within the field of cardio-oncology. Health education interventions during oncological follow-up visits are needed.