Cardiovascular Health in Breast Cancer: Survivorship Care

Cardiol Clin. 2025 Feb;43(1):69-82. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2024.08.005. Epub 2024 Oct 3.

Abstract

Improved screening and treatment have increased breast cancer survival rates, with over 7.8 million women surviving 5 years post-diagnosis globally. However, survivors face heightened cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to cancer treatment and patient related risk factors. Cardio-oncology has emerged as a discipline to manage cardiovascular health in patients throughout and following cancer treatment. This review focuses on strategies to optimize cardiovascular health in breast cancer survivors, aligning with ASCO's survivorship principles. Key strategies include risk stratification, primary prevention, lifestyle interventions, pharmacologic management, appropriate cardiovascular monitoring, and tailored exercise programs. Effective cardio-oncology care hinges on collaboration between specialists and patients, underscoring the significance of shared-care models and telemedicine options in survivorship management.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Cardiac disease; Cardio-oncology; Survivorship.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Cancer Survivors*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Survivorship