The Connection Between Cancer and Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the top two causes of death in the U.S., and new research suggests they may be more intertwined than we think. According to a study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, women diagnosed with late-stage or metastatic breast cancer are significantly more likely to have had pre-existing CVD compared to those diagnosed at an earlier stage.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, reveal that women with advanced breast cancer at diagnosis were 10% more likely to have cardiovascular disease beforehand. The link was even stronger for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer—the most common breast cancer subtype — with 11% having pre-existing CVD.

How Cardiovascular Disease Affects Cancer Risk

Cardiovascular disease doesn't just put your heart at risk — it may also create a biological environment where breast cancer can thrive. “Cardiovascular disease can induce an immunosuppressive state, potentially fostering accelerated breast tumor cell growth and spread,” said Dr. Kevin Nead, senior author of the study and assistant professor of Epidemiology and Radiation Oncology. Nead pointed out that this could explain why women with heart conditions are more likely to receive a late-stage cancer diagnosis.

The Study at a Glance

This case-control study analyzed data from more than 19,000 women with a median age of 73. It compared the rates of CVD in patients with early-stage (stage I-II) and advanced-stage (stage III-IV) breast cancer. The increased risk of CVD was found across both locally advanced and metastatic cases, further reinforcing the potential connection between cardiovascular health and cancer progression.

Understanding HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer

HR+/HER2- breast cancer accounts for nearly 70% of all breast cancer cases, according to the National Cancer Institute. When detected early, it’s highly treatable. But once it spreads, the five-year relative survival rate drops to just 34%. These numbers highlight why early detection and cardiovascular health management are so important.

Cardiovascular Disease: The Bigger Picture

CVD remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming nearly one million lives each year. The term encompasses a range of conditions, including coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, and arterial disease.

What This Means for Patients

The research suggests that heart health and breast cancer outcomes are closely linked, reinforcing the need for proactive cardiovascular care, especially in women at risk of breast cancer. Regular check-ups, a heart-healthy lifestyle, and awareness of risk factors could not only reduce the likelihood of heart disease but may also improve cancer-related outcomes.

For patients with HR+/HER2- breast cancer, discussions about cardiovascular health could become a crucial part of treatment and prevention strategies. By catching both cardiovascular issues and breast cancer early, patients may have a better chance at improved survival and quality of life.

As science continues to reveal connections between chronic diseases, one thing is clear: managing overall health isn’t just about one part of the body—it’s about the whole picture.