Cancer survivors face unique cardiovascular disease risks

Cancer survivors are at a higher risk for heart diseases, with differences noted by cancer type and ethnic background. Researchers studied the health records of nearly 19,000 cancer survivors and over 75,000 people without cancer in London. The study focused on a diverse group of participants, including White, Black, and Asian individuals. Most of the participants came from lower-income backgrounds. Researchers looked at factors like lifestyle, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to understand the health of cancer survivors. The findings show that while cancer survivors often manage their cholesterol and blood pressure well, a significant number still do not meet health guidelines. Specifically, one in three survivors did not reach recommended blood pressure levels. There were notable differences among ethnic groups; Asian survivors faced higher risks of blood clots, while Black survivors had higher levels of harmful cholesterol. The study's limitations include a lack of detailed cancer stage information and reliance on prescription records, which may not reflect true medication use. Also, the retrospective nature of the study means it could not account for all factors affecting heart health over time. The research was funded by a health organization and was led by scientists from Queen Mary University of London.