By Dr. Aparna Sreevatsa, Medical Oncologist, Sahyadri Narayana Hospital, Shivamogga
It’s a significant accomplishment for a woman to finish her breast cancer therapy. However, as oncologists frequently emphasise, surviving is only the first step. The ensuing years may present a unique set of difficulties, some anticipated and some unexpected.
The heart is one of the less well-known issues.
Heart health can be impacted by several cancer treatments, including targeted medicines like trastuzumab, chemotherapy medications like anthracyclines, and chest radiation. Even years after the conclusion of treatment, the effects might not be felt right away; they might develop gradually. Cardio-oncology, a relatively new area of medicine, is significantly improving this situation.
Our goal at Shivamogga’s Sahyadri Narayana Hospital is to always be one step ahead. We have a Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic every third Thursday of the month, where women who have finished treatment can come for ongoing support. The clinic’s goal is to help survivors live better, not simply longer, by offering everything from lifestyle counselling and advice to heart exams and other follow-up care. A key component of this journey is the cardio-oncology care we provide, which is directed by consultant cardiologist Dr. Sreevatsa Nadig.
One of the most prestigious conferences in the industry, the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago, gave us the chance to present our results to a worldwide audience earlier this year.
Our study asked a simple but important question: Are breast cancer survivors more prone to early signs of heart disease?
To investigate this, we examined two cohorts of women: one with a history of breast cancer and another with no such history. We employed a scan known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, which aids in identifying early heart artery calcification. It’s a non-intrusive method of identifying hidden dangers before they become significant issues.
We were pleasantly surprised by what we discovered!
The two groups did not differ significantly from one another. Breast cancer survivors did not seem to be more susceptible to early heart disease than their peers when receiving the right care and monitoring.
This offers a message of hope—and a practical reminder to us all.
What can GPs and primary care doctors take away from this?
- Follow-up is effective. Long-term issues can be avoided with the use of structured survivorship care.
- Consider more than recurrence. It’s possible that symptoms like fatigue or dyspnoea don’t indicate that the cancer has returned. Heart health should also be taken into account.
- Lives can be saved by early screenings. While not necessary for everyone, CAC scoring can be a helpful tool when used appropriately.
- Collaboration is important. Collaboration between oncologists, cardiologists, general practitioners, and mental health specialists is beneficial to survivors.
For every woman who walks out of the oncology ward cancer-free, the hope is that she steps into a life full of vitality, confidence, and support. That’s why we believe survivorship needs just as much attention as the treatment itself. If you’re caring for a breast cancer survivor, do consider referring them to our clinic. Together, we can make sure their post-cancer journey is not only longer—but healthier and happier too