![]() While radiotherapy plays a crucial role in treating breast cancer, it can cause incidental damage to the heart and lungs, that may in turn increase the risk of heart disease and lung cancer. Therefore, it is essential to detect and treat these cancer-induced issues. Clinical trials have demonstrated a small, yet significant risk of cardiac toxicity associated with radiation therapy for breast cancer. When undiagnosed, these issues can be a major cause of death for cancer survivors. Symptoms of these health issues can develop immediately during treatment, or they can develop decades after cancer survivors complete treatment.Ĭommon symptoms of cancer-induced heart problems include: In most cases, this cell death, as well as damage to surrounding tissues, is what causes the side effects from radiation therapy. For women being treated with radiation today, the risk of long-term heart damage is likely lower than studies are showing. Radiation therapy to the mediastinum can be associated with significant valvular abnormalities (typically involving aortic and mitral valves) and usually manifesting as progressive valve thickening and calcification, ultimately resulting in valve restriction and dysfunction which presents as stenosis and/or regurgitation. ![]() These problems, including conditions known as cardiotoxicity, can be caused by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute now offers cardio-oncology service to help patients at risk for such issues.Ĭancer-induced heart problems affect nearly 10% of cancer patients. The heart can be affected by certain types of chemotherapy and by radiation therapy. Editor-in-Chief, Robert Amdur, MD, discusses two Morbidity and Mortality Conference papers from the March issue of PRO: Regional Recurrence after Carotid Sparing IMRT for Early Stage Glottic Cancer (2023 Issue 2, PMID 36089251) and Pneumothorax Associated with Deep Inspiration Breath Holding During Radiation Therapy for Breast. As a result of widespread use and improved. Cancer Treatments that Cause Heart Problems. Unanticipated Negative Consequences of New Techniques. In some cases, cancer treatment may affect the heart, causing new problems or worsening existing ones. Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of cancer therapy, with >50 of patients undergoing therapeutic radiation. Exercise regularly at a moderate intensity. But you can reduce your risk of heart problems and cancer by controlling what you can: Eat a diet full of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. However, some patients will experience other cancer therapy side effects that don’t necessarily go away once treatment is complete. You cant change your need for cancer treatment. ![]() Patients with cancer often experience well-known, common side effects, such as hair loss during chemotherapy or skin issues during radiation. Radiation therapy kills cancer cells, shrinks tumors and relieves cancer symptoms. ![]()
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