Receiving a cancer diagnosis is scary, but even more so when you find out that the treatments may cause or worsen heart problems. Cardio-toxicity, a condition that affects heart muscles and patterns of the heartbeat, is unfortunately common among patients undergoing cancer treatment. A recent study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that survivors of cancer had a 42% greater risk of a Cardiovascular Disease than people without cancer.
Bryna, a two-time breast cancer survivor, suggests that those with heart and cancer conditions need unique support. Unlike other conditions, advice like “take a walk every day” or “eat healthy” is not enough for people trying to prevent heart disease from developing as a result of cancer treatments.
Bryna suggests three strategies both patients and caregivers can adopt to navigate the complexities of cardio-toxicity:
- Find a Specialist
Many of the procedures, treatments, and therapies used to combat cancer can harm your heart. Luckily, specialist doctors, called cardio-oncologists, are primarily concerned with patients enduring cardio-toxicity.
Bryna emphasizes the importance of talking to a cardio-oncologist early if you’re going through cancer treatment. Getting a second opinion from another non-oncological doctor can also be a good idea. These proactive measures establish early connections with cardiologists and non-oncological doctors before symptoms arise.
Unfortunately, preemptive care is a step that is often overlooked in the standard cancer care protocol. Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s okay to ask for the kind of help you need. It’s essential to speak up and ask questions about the treatments, just as it is important for doctors to provide thorough and thoughtful answers. Are you currently looking for support? Hyeia is here to help. We can evaluate your needs and connect you with the right doctors. We provide personalized therapies for every patient so you have the best health outcome possible.
- Learn More About the Risks
Through a specialized test, Bryna found out she was positive for a gene mutation called BRCA2. This meant she was at high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. She had planned on going through several preventative surgeries to reduce her risk of developing these cancers, but before she had the chance to go through with these procedures, an irregularity showed up on a mammogram: breast cancer.
Bryna went through breast cancer treatment without knowing how it could affect her heart. Her story is not uncommon. There is a large community of cancer patients and survivors who wish they had known more about the risks. It was actually in an in-person cancer advocacy group that Bryna found out she was at high risk of developing heart disease because of preventative treatments she had gone through to prevent her cancer from recurring.
- Life After Cancer
Bryna is one of many cancer survivors whose experience with cancer has not ended, despite being declared cancer-free. Through her blog, “Blogging BRCA,” she highlights the ongoing challenges of managing her health and well-being.
Bryna’s experience teaches us that taking care of yourself during cancer treatment means more than just treating the cancer. It also means taking into account all aspects of a person’s health and well-being, including heart health. Connecting with the right healthcare professionals can mean the difference between living cancer free with chronic heart issues or living cancer free. And by sharing stories and helping each other, we can make the cancer experience a little easier.
This article was created as part of the WRTC program at Jemes Madison University, which is overseen by Dr Lori Beth De Hertogh.
