6 January 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : People living with cancer face a significantly higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to the general population, according to a new large-scale study that highlights the growing importance of cardiovascular care in cancer treatment and survivorship. The findings add to mounting evidence that cancer and heart disease are closely interconnected, particularly as survival rates for many cancers continue to improve.
The study found that individuals diagnosed with cancer were more likely to experience fatal cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke. Researchers noted that the risk was especially elevated in the first few years following a cancer diagnosis but remained higher than average even long after treatment had ended.
Experts attribute this increased risk to multiple factors, including the side effects of cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted drugs, many of which can place stress on the heart and blood vessels. Treatments that save lives may also damage cardiac tissue, disrupt blood pressure regulation, or accelerate the development of atherosclerosis.
In addition to treatment-related factors, cancer itself can trigger systemic inflammation, metabolic changes, and blood clotting abnormalities, all of which raise cardiovascular risk. The emotional and physical stress associated with a cancer diagnosis can further contribute to heart health challenges.
The study also highlighted disparities among different cancer types. Patients with breast cancer, lung cancer, blood cancers, and childhood cancers were found to have particularly elevated cardiovascular mortality risks. Younger cancer survivors, including those treated during childhood or adolescence, showed higher long-term vulnerability due to early exposure to cardiotoxic treatments.
Lifestyle changes during cancer treatment may also play a role. Reduced physical activity, weight gain, poor nutrition, and smoking relapse can increase heart disease risk, especially during prolonged treatment or recovery periods.
Researchers emphasized that advances in oncology have significantly extended life expectancy for many cancer patients, making long-term health outcomes increasingly important. As survival improves, heart disease has emerged as a leading non-cancer cause of death among cancer survivors.
The findings underscore the growing field of cardio-oncology, which focuses on preventing, monitoring, and managing heart complications in cancer patients. Specialists recommend regular heart screenings before, during, and after cancer treatment, particularly for those receiving therapies known to affect cardiovascular health.
Doctors are also calling for closer collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists to create individualized treatment plans that balance cancer control with heart protection. This may include adjusting drug doses, using heart-protective medications, or modifying treatment schedules.
Public health experts stress that awareness is crucial. Many cancer survivors may not realize their increased heart disease risk and may miss early warning signs such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, attributing them to cancer recovery instead.
The study’s authors urged healthcare systems to integrate cardiovascular care into standard cancer treatment protocols and survivorship programs. Early intervention, they noted, could significantly reduce preventable heart-related deaths.
While the findings may be concerning, researchers emphasized that they should not discourage cancer treatment. Instead, the results highlight the need for comprehensive care that addresses both cancer and long-term cardiovascular health.
As cancer survivorship continues to rise worldwide, the study reinforces the message that beating cancer is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new phase of health management where heart care plays a critical role.
Summary
A new study shows cancer patients face a higher risk of dying from heart disease, driven by treatment effects, inflammation, and lifestyle factors, highlighting the need for integrated cancer and cardiac care.