Patients with cancer survive longer today due to improvements in cancer treatment. However, patients with cancer are at increased risk of developing disease of the heart, blood vessels and stroke, due to the effects of cancer itself as well as the cancer treatment (for example: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy).
Compared to patients without cancer, patients with cancer are nearly two times more likely to develop blockages of the blood vessels to the heart or suffer a heart attack, and up to nearly three times more likely to suffer from a weakened heart (cardiomyopathy and heart failure).
As these cardiovascular conditions are often detected too late, more than 1 in 10 patients with cancer die from heart disease rather than from their cancer. In certain common cancers such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer, the chance of dying from heart disease may overtake the chance of dying from the original cancer.
The Cardio-Oncology service at the National University Heart Centre Singapore (NUHCS) was established to look after our patients with, or who are at risk for, heart disease at all stages of their cancer journey: before, during and after cancer treatment.
This is important as numerous cancer treatments are associated with cardiac side effects that can occur early during treatment or even many years after treatment completion. By working closely with the National University Cancer Institute Singapore (NCIS), our aim is to prevent, monitor and treat cardiovascular disease in patients with cancer.
NUHCS is honoured to be recognised as a Global Center of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology by the International Cardio-Oncology Society - the first and only institution in Asia to be awarded this prestigious accreditation.
Before start of cancer treatment:
- We assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease prior to cancer treatment. We work closely with the oncologist to minimise any cardiovascular side effects during cancer treatment.
- We optimise the treatment of any existing heart disease.
- We organise heart scans before starting cancer treatment.
- We may start medications to protect the heart from side effects of cancer treatment.
During cancer treatment:
- We ensure that the treatment of pre-existing heart condition or cardiovascular risk factors is optimised.
- We closely monitor for and treat possible heart complications that may develop due to cancer treatment.
- Our goal is to ensure the heart remains well for patients to undergo and complete the intended cancer treatment.
After cancer treatment:
- We screen for late-onset cardiac complications related to cancer treatment.
- We monitor and prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.
