Cardiovascular Disease in Males With Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited data exist on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in male breast cancer (BC).
• Understanding CVD risk in male BC is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare CVD risk in males with BC against females with BC and cancer-free males.
• To identify potential disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cohort study utilized linked administrative databases in Ontario, Canada (1998-2021).
• Male BC patients were age-matched to female BC patients and cancer-free male controls.
• Primary outcome: CVD hospitalization/emergency department visits; Secondary outcome: cause-specific mortality. Cause-specific hazards regression was employed.

Main Results:

• Males with BC exhibited higher prevalent pre-existing CVD and risk factors compared to both comparator groups.
• Adjusted analyses revealed no significant difference in CVD hospitalization/emergency department visits for male BC versus female BC (HR: 1.03) or cancer-free males (HR: 1.00).
• Male BC was not associated with increased CVD mortality but showed higher cancer mortality.

Conclusions:

• Despite greater baseline cardiovascular risk, males with BC do not face an elevated future CVD hazard post-adjustment.
• This underscores the importance of prioritizing cancer treatment for male BC patients.
• Integrated CVD risk management strategies are essential for this population.