When facing cancer, your focus is naturally on beating the disease. But what many people don't realize is that some of the very treatments saving your life can also affect your heart - sometimes right away, sometimes years later.

 

That's why a special program is necessary for cancer patients and survivors, designed to watch over your heart health every step of the way.

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Prior to your first chemotherapy or radiation treatment, a complete check-up is done for your heart. Think of it like taking a "before picture" - we'll do a painless ultrasound of your heart, some simple blood tests, and review your medical history. This helps us spot any existing concerns and gives us a baseline to compare to later.

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During your cancer treatment, we become your heart's guardians. Depending on which drugs you're receiving, we might do quick heart checks every few treatment cycles. Some medications can quietly weaken the heart muscle, while others might affect your heart rhythm. We are looking to spot changes early, often before you'd even notice anything wrong. This is when they're easiest to manage, you have the highest chance on continuing your chemotherapy.

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After you've finished cancer treatment, our care doesn't stop. Some heart effects from cancer therapies don't show up for years. You will require a personalized follow-up plan - maybe yearly heart check-ups, and lifestyle advice tailored to your specific risks, to help manage any lasting effects.

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We work closely with your cancer doctors so you won't get caught between different specialists giving conflicting advice. We coordinate directly with your oncology team to make sure both your cancer treatment and heart health get the attention they need.

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The best part? Most potential heart problems from cancer treatment can be prevented or managed when caught early. By taking simple steps to monitor your heart throughout your cancer journey, you're giving yourself the best chance to not just survive cancer, but thrive long after it's gone.

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