Hearing the word “cancer” – it’s a moment that can make the world stand still. There’s so much to take in. Then, sometimes, your cancer doctor might bring up another important point: your heart. It’s a lot, I know. But this is precisely where a specialist called a cardio-oncologist becomes a key player in your care team. They’re there to help navigate these connected concerns.
So, What Exactly is a Cardio-Oncologist?
Think of a cardio-oncologist as a doctor who wears two very important hats. They’re usually already experts in heart health (cardiologists) or cancer care (oncologists). Then, they go through extra, specialized training. This training focuses entirely on protecting your heart if you’re facing cancer.
Why is this needed? Well, some cancer treatments – things like chemotherapy and radiation therapy – are fantastic at fighting cancer and helping people live longer. We’re so grateful for these advances. But, and it’s an important ‘but,’ these powerful treatments can sometimes have side effects on the heart. We call this cardiotoxicity or, in the case of radiation, radiation heart disease. It doesn’t happen to everyone, and the risk varies a lot.
The whole idea behind cardio-oncology is to keep your heart as healthy as possible while you get the most effective cancer treatment. It’s a real balancing act.
These dedicated doctors learn all about:
- How different cancer therapies might affect your heart and blood vessels.
- The ways cancer itself can impact your cardiovascular system.
- Checking your heart risk before treatment starts, keeping an eye on things during, and following up after.
- Diagnosing and managing heart issues if they pop up in folks with cancer.
- Figuring out which treatments are safest for your heart.
- Monitoring your heart muscle and valves during and after your cancer journey.
This often involves an intensive year-long fellowship program filled with learning, patient care in special clinics, and research. Some even get certified by the International Cardio-Oncology Society.
Why is This Specialty So Important Now?
You know, it’s wonderful news that more and more people are surviving cancer. Truly wonderful. Back in 2016, there were over 15 million cancer survivors in the U.S. alone, and that number is expected to jump to 26 million by 2040! That’s a lot of people living longer, fuller lives.
With more survivors, though, we also see more people who might experience these heart-related side effects from past treatments. Plus, many cancer survivors are 65 or older. As we age, our heart risks can naturally increase, and when you add past cancer treatments to the mix, plus lifestyle factors or other conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, it gets complex. A cardio-oncologist is trained to look at this whole picture.
What Does a Cardio-Oncologist Actually Do?
When you’re dealing with cancer and a heart concern, a cardio-oncologist steps in to diagnose and treat any cardiovascular problems. It’s not always straightforward. For instance, if someone develops heart failure, is it because of the cancer treatment, or are other existing heart disease risk factors playing a bigger role? They help sort this out.
Their main job is to balance two crucial goals:
- Treating your cancer effectively.
- Protecting your heart from harm.
It’s a team effort, really. They work closely with your oncologist and other healthcare providers. In my practice, I’ve seen how vital this teamwork is.
Here’s a peek at what they might do:
- Detailed heart risk check-up: Before you even start cancer treatment.
- Advanced imaging: Using tests like echocardiograms (ultrasounds of the heart) to get a clear look at your heart and blood vessels.
- Personalized treatment plan: Aiming for the best cancer outcome with the least heart strain.
- Close monitoring: Keeping an eye on your heart throughout your cancer treatment.
- Follow-up care: This continues even after your cancer treatment is finished.
- Recommending treatments: If heart issues do arise from cancer therapy, they guide surgeries or other heart treatments.
They help manage a range of heart conditions, including:
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) like atrial fibrillation or Torsade de Pointes.
- Coronary artery disease (blockages in heart arteries).
- Heart failure (when the heart doesn’t pump as well as it should).
- Heart valve disease.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy (a stiffening of the heart muscle).
- Even rare issues like a heart tumor.
Who Might Need to See a Cardio-Oncologist?
Your primary doctor or your oncologist is always your first port of call. They can tell you if seeing a cardio-oncologist is a good idea for you, and they’ll provide a referral.
You might find yourself talking to one if:
- You have existing heart disease or risk factors (like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure) and you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer.
- You’re about to start cancer treatment that carries known heart risks.
- You’re currently getting chemotherapy or radiation and start noticing new symptoms like swelling (edema), unusual fatigue, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat.
- You had cancer treatment in the past (even as a child) and are now developing heart problems. Sometimes these issues can show up years later.
- You’ve developed heart problems because of cancer therapies and might need specific heart treatments or surgery.
The timing for seeing a cardio-oncologist really varies. You might see them before treatment, throughout, and for follow-up appointments for years afterward. Those heart imaging tests, like echocardiograms, are super important, even after cancer treatment ends, because they can spot early signs of trouble. So, please do try to keep all those appointments.
Your Take-Home Message About Cardio-Oncology
This is a newer field, but it’s making a big difference. Here are the key things I’d like you to remember about a cardio-Oncologist:
- A cardio-oncologist is a specialist focused on heart health for people with cancer.
- Cancer treatments can sometimes affect the heart (cardiotoxicity).
- Their goal is to allow for effective cancer treatment while protecting your heart.
- They work with your whole medical team.
- You might see them before, during, or long after cancer treatment.
- Regular follow-ups and imaging are often key.
You’re not alone in navigating these health challenges. There are specialists like cardio-oncologists ready to support you and your heart every step of the way.