What to Know About Cancer and Heart Disease
More people in the United States are surviving cancer than ever before. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the five‑year survival rate for all cancers combined has risen to about 70%. In fact, some cancers — like breast and prostate cancer — have survival rates of 90% or higher.
With more people surviving cancer, doctors are paying closer attention to the long‑term health challenges survivors may face — especially problems that affect the heart.
How cancer and heart disease are connected
Recent research shows that adults who have had cancer are more likely to develop heart problems than those who have never had cancer. Adult cancer survivors have:
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42% higher risk of heart disease
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52% higher risk of heart failure
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22% higher risk of stroke
These issues are especially common among survivors of breast cancer, lung cancer, and blood cancers.
February is American Heart Month, which makes it a good time for people with cancer to think about their heart health.
How cancer treatments can affect the heart
Cancer treatments can save lives, but they may also cause side effects. Depending on the type of cancer being treated and the type of treatment given, damage to the heart can be a long-term concern.
“Certain cancer treatments, particularly some chemotherapies and radiation to the chest, can be associated with an increased risk of heart and vascular disease, such as heart failure and stroke,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at ACS. “Survivors should create a plan with their care team to have appropriate testing and follow-up, tailored to the heart disease risk related to their specific cancer treatment and coupled with their personal and family history. Open and frequent communication ensures patients and their care teams can make informed decisions together and adjust treatment plans with the whole person in mind.”
Cancer therapies may contribute to several heart‑related conditions, including:
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The heart not pumping as it should, which can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs
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Buildup that causes blood vessels to narrow which leads to decreased blood flow to the heart
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Weakened or inflamed heart muscle that affects how strongly it pumps
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Heart valve damage that affects how blood is pumped to and from the heart
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High blood pressure
What is Cardio‑Oncology?
Cardio‑oncology is a growing medical specialty. Cardio-oncology specialists are doctors and other health professionals that focus on heart health in people with cancer before, during, and after cancer treatment. Their goal is to help make sure patients get the treatment they need while keeping their heart as healthy as possible.
Cancer doctors (oncologists) may refer certain patients to a cardio‑oncology team that can help:
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Identify who may be at higher risk for heart problems
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Prevent or limit heart damage caused by cancer treatment
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Monitor heart health during treatment and beyond
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Guide patients on adopting healthy lifestyle habits that support heart health
Protecting your heart — and reducing cancer risk
Cancer and heart disease are different health conditions, but they share many of the same lifestyle-related risk factors. They are also the two leading causes of death in the United States.
While some risk factors cannot be changed, like your age and family history, lifestyle behaviors can be changed to help prevent cancer and protect the heart. The ACS Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention recommends:
It’s also important to stay up‑to‑date on cancer screening tests, get enough sleep and rest, and take care of your mental health and wellbeing.
“Nearly half of all cancers have a modifiable risk factor, and many of the healthy recommendations to prevent heart disease are applicable to preventing cancer,” said Dr. Kamal. “Prevention remains one of our most powerful tools – how we live today impacts our health for years to come. Research continues to show that it's never too late to change lifestyle behaviors. Working healthier behaviors into our daily lives can make a meaningful difference in lowering risk for both cancer and heart disease.
- Reviewed by
Reviewed by the American Cancer Society communications team.
