Advanced Breast Cancer Diagnosis Linked to Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease!

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a concerning trend: women diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer are 10% more likely to develop prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD). This critical finding underscores the potential effects of delayed diagnoses and may lead to revised screening guidelines.

Both cancer and cardiovascular diseases rank among the leading causes of mortality in the United States, and an increasing body of research suggests a troubling connection between CVD and the progression of cancer. For instance, previous studies indicate that individuals with heart failure face higher cancer rates, and that heart failure could contribute to tumor progression and metastasis.

The authors of the study noted, “This effect is particularly pronounced in breast cancer, where CVD creates an immunosuppressed environment that promotes aggressive tumor growth and dissemination.” Motivated by this insight, the researchers set out to explore the prevalence of CVD in women diagnosed with later-stage breast cancer compared to those with earlier, less severe stages.

The study analyzed data compiled from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked databases from 2009 to 2020. It focused on female patients aged 66 and above who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and had received a mammogram within two years prior to their diagnosis.

The research included 19,292 breast cancer patients, with a median age of 73 years. The demographics revealed a predominantly white cohort (86.5%), alongside 8.7% Black and 5.5% Hispanic participants. Approximately half of these patients (49.1%) had existing cardiovascular conditions, with over 90% of these cases identified 13 to 24 months before the breast cancer diagnosis.

Participants were categorized into two groups: those with early-stage breast cancer (9,646 patients) and those with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer (9,646 patients). The analysis demonstrated that the risk of prevalent CVD was notably higher in the metastatic/advanced group (Odds Ratio of 1.10), particularly among those with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (OR, 1.11). Conversely, patients with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer showed no significant association (OR, 1.02).

While the results illuminate the connection between advanced breast cancer and increased CVD risk, the authors caution that the study's observational design might harbor limitations, such as bias or misclassification of CVD. They advocate for future research employing prospective strategies to solidify these findings.

The concerns raised by this study call attention to the urgent need for modified screening approaches for individuals with CVD, especially given the current inconsistencies in breast cancer screening recommendations concerning age and frequency.

The implications of this research could transform how healthcare professionals approach the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer, potentially averting further health complications for patients with existing cardiovascular conditions.

Stay tuned for forthcoming studies that may deepen our understanding of this critical nexus between cancer and cardiovascular health!