Bidirectional association between breast cancer and cardiovascular disease: Longitudinal analysis of UK Biobank data

Zijia Liu1, Fengjun Du2, Chunhua Zhao3

  • 1School of Public Health and Health Management, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), China.

Atherosclerosis
|May 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Breast cancer (BC) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) share a bidirectional relationship. Key risk factors like CRP and central obesity influence both conditions, impacting women's health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Oncology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Breast cancer (BC) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are leading causes of mortality in women.
  • The bidirectional relationship and shared risk factors between BC and CVD are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the bidirectional relationship between breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
  • To identify key risk factors influencing the co-occurrence and progression of BC and CVD.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study utilizing UK Biobank data.
  • Construction of two propensity-score-matched cohorts for BC and CVD.
  • Analysis using Cox proportional hazards and multi-state models.

Main Results:

  • BC survivors exhibit an increased risk of CVD (HR=1.238), particularly atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
  • CVD patients show a higher risk of developing BC (HR=1.446).
  • CRP and central obesity were identified as consistent bidirectional risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Longitudinal evidence confirms a bidirectional relationship between breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
  • Stage-specific risk profiles significantly modulate the transition probabilities between BC and CVD.
Abstract

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