Cancer is a devastating disease that affects people of all ages. While treatment for the disease is improving, there are still many challenges that patients face, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the connection between adolescent cancer and cardiovascular risk.
What is Adolescent Cancer?
Adolescent cancer refers to cancer that is diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 15 and 19. This is a distinct group of cancer patients that has unique needs and challenges.
Some of the most common types of cancer in this age group include leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, and bone cancer.
What is Cardiovascular Risk?
Cardiovascular risk refers to the chances that a person will develop heart disease or have a heart attack. There are many factors that can contribute to cardiovascular risk, including age, family history, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions.
The Link between Adolescent Cancer and Cardiovascular Risk
There are several reasons why adolescent cancer patients may be at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. First, many of the treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can damage the heart and blood vessels.
This damage can increase the risk of heart disease later in life.
Second, some cancer treatments can lead to other medical conditions that also increase cardiovascular risk. For example, radiation therapy to the chest can increase the risk of developing lung disease or breast cancer.
These conditions can also increase the risk of heart disease.
Finally, some cancer patients may have genetic factors that increase their risk of both cancer and heart disease. For example, mutations in the BRCA genes are associated with an increased risk of both breast cancer and heart disease.
Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescent Cancer Patients
While the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adolescent cancer patients is concerning, there are steps that can be taken to reduce this risk.
One of the most important things is to monitor these patients closely and identify any potential risk factors early on. This can include regular screenings for heart disease, as well as monitoring for other conditions that may increase cardiovascular risk.
It’s also important for cancer patients to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of heart disease. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use.
In some cases, medication may be necessary to reduce cardiovascular risk in cancer patients. For example, patients with high blood pressure or high cholesterol may need to take medication to control these conditions.
Conclusion
Adolescent cancer patients are a unique group of cancer patients who require specialized care and attention. One of the major challenges faced by these patients is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
By taking steps to monitor and manage cardiovascular risk, we can help to improve long-term outcomes for these patients.