The Hidden Link: Breast Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease

Breast cancer and cardiovascular disease may seem like two distinct conditions, but many people do not realise that there is a significant link between the two. Essentially, research has shown that women with breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and vice versa.

Risk Factors

Both breast cancer and cardiovascular disease share many common risk factors. These include:

• Obesity: Excess weight is a known risk factor for both breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. Adipose tissue produces estrogen, which can fuel the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells. Obesity also increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and research suggests it may also play a role in breast cancer development. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of both conditions.
• Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can increase the risk of both breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the risk.

The Impact of Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer treatment can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Certain chemotherapy agents, such as anthracyclines, can damage the heart muscle, leading to early or delayed cardiotoxicity (e.g. left ventricular systolic dysfunction, arrhythmias, hypertension, pericarditis, myocardial ischemia etc.) and therefore decreased cardiac function and increased risk of heart failure. Radiation therapy to the chest area can also damage the heart and blood vessels, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Reducing the Risk

While there are some non-modifiable risk factors for breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, such as family history and genetics, there are many lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce the risk. These include:

• Regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of both, per week. In comparison to those who did little exercise pre diagnosis, individuals who engaged in a high lifetime level of physical activity had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer–related death. Engaging in targeted exercise during/ after chemotherapy is associated with improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and longer overall survival, meaning it should be initiated as soon as possible and continued long term to mitigate and reverse any treatment related side effects.
• Healthy eating: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, and limit sugary drinks and foods high in saturated and trans fats.
• Stress management: Engage in stress-reducing activities, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

Conclusion

The link between breast cancer and cardiovascular disease is complex, but by understanding the shared risk factors and taking steps to reduce them, women can lower their risk of developing either of the conditions or both. This should include talking to your doctor about your individual risk factors, and working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist to assist in developing a tailored exercise plan specific to your needs.