Breast cancer and heart disease
Friend to Friend
8:52 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2008
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Surviving breast cancer can come at a cost, namely, heart disease. A report in theJournal of the American College of Cardiology says treatments like radiation, some chemotherapies and other drugs can weaken the heart and blood vessels.
In other words, some treatments designed to shrink or stop the growth of cancer in the woman's bloodstream can actually cause abnormal blood clotting, increased blood pressure and reduced cardiac function.
For example, their study says some chemotherapy treatments injure the heart muscle in as many as half of the women. Also, researchers say, during cancer treatment, many women are inactive, causing weight gain that, of course, is one of the causes of heart disease.
More research is needed, but doctors are encouraging patients to tend to their heart health by exercising regularly and telling breast cancer survivors that, no matter what treatment you have, always alert your doctor if you suspect something has changed.
Friend2Friend Breast Cancer Awareness
49 News has partnered with Lawrence Memorial Hospital to encourage you to adopt measures that lead to early detection. One in eight women is affected with breast cancer. Get more statistics and learn how you can protect yourself at 49abcnews.com/friend2friend. There you can also sign up to be reminded when it's time to do self breast exams and get breast cancer stories emailed to your inbox. Check it out.
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