There are many options for treating breast cancer, including breast cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and more. And while treatment is often necessary, research suggests that certain therapies for breast cancer can increase a patient’s risk of heart disease in the future. Let’s look into how breast cancer treatments can affect the cardiovascular system.
Is there a link between chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and heart failure?
Recent studies have suggested a link between chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and cardiotoxicity. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are two of the more well-known treatments for cancer. Radiation therapy includes targeted and precise radiation of cancerous areas in the body, and chemotherapy is the use of medication to stop the growth and development of cancer cells. A growing field of research into the long-term effects of cancer treatment is beginning to find a link between chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and congestive heart failure.
With improvements in cancer treatment, cancer patients live longer, giving way to long-term side effects from treatments as they get older. Certain medications used in chemotherapy might contribute to the development of heart failure, also known as cardiotoxicity, in the years after cancer treatment. The use of radiation therapy to treat breast cancer can also increase risks of heart failure due to radiation being directed at cancer growing in the chest area.
Some studies have found that within five years of recovery, heart failure becomes three times more likely in people who received treatment for breast cancer or lymphoma than in people without a history of cancer treatment. Additionally, the age at which you received cancer treatment can increase your likelihood of heart failure even more. People who are treated for breast cancer or lymphoma who are 80 years of age or older have a greater risk of congestive heart failure than those who were treated at a younger age.
Who is at a higher risk for congestive heart failure after breast cancer treatment?
Breast cancer patients who have any of the following risk factors are at an increased risk of congestive heart failure.
Our health center has dedicated oncology and cardiology teams who work collaboratively with their patients to provide innovative and personalized care options.
The St. Joseph Health Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) for personalized care that exceeds national standards, and for fulfilling patient needs. Our cancer center boasts innovative techniques and collaborative care to give patients all the tools they need to help them improve their health during and after cancer treatment.
All of our nationally recognized heart surgeons are part of a highly skilled and experienced team that specializes in all aspects of cardiovascular care, from disease prevention to rehabilitation post-treatment or surgery. Whether you have high blood pressure or if you are experiencing heart disease after cancer treatment, our cardiologists will be able to provide you with a personalized care plan to aid you in improving your health.
If you or loved ones are considering treatment options for breast cancer, talk to your oncologist and/or cardiologist about the possible risk of developing a heart condition from treatment so they can develop a personalized treatment plan.
Sources:
Baylor College of Medicine | Breast Cancer Treatment Options
National Cancer Institute | BRCA Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing
ABC13 | 2 Families Connected by 1 Heart
National Cancer Institute | Higher Risk of Heart Failure Seen in Some Cancers
Cleveland Clinic | Cardiotoxicity: Cancer Treatment & the Heart
Cleveland Clinic | Estrogen & Hormones
U.S. National Library of Medicine + National Institutes of Health | Hormone replacement therapy: dilemmas in 2002.
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