Cardio-Oncology

Cancer prevention and treatment has dramatically improved over the last three decades. While patients are living longer and are more likely to survive cancer than they were in years past, physicians are paying closer attention to how cancer treatment may affect other areas of the body, such as the heart. Side effects may occur even after treatment ends. 

Atlantic Health System has created it's cardio-oncology program to focus on patients who are at risk for developing heart disease before, during or after treatment for cancer.

Our cardio-oncologist works alongside the oncologist to help ensure patients get the most appropriate cancer therapy while minimizing the risk of cardiac complications seen with some cancer therapies such as potential side effects.

Conditions We Treat

• Patients with prior cardiac disease or cardiac risk factors (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, current or former tobacco use, or a family history of heart diseases).
• Patients who develop cardiac complications during cancer therapy.
• Patients who develop potential cardiac symptoms during cancer therapy.
• Patients who received cancer treatment that can have longer term cardiac side effects even after the treatment for cancer is complete, such as radiation therapy and adriamycin therapy. This includes many survivors of childhood cancers as well as possible cancers of younger adults (breast cancer, lymphomas, testicular cancer).

Our Approach to Care

Depending on a patient's medical history, overall health level, and the type of cancer being treated, a cardio-oncology consult can be beneficial at any time during the cancer journey:

• Before starting treatment – Certain patients are at higher risk for complications of cancer therapy and a comprehensive evaluation with a cardio-oncologist can help to minimize possible cardiac complications.
• During treatment – The cardio-oncologist can help manage cardiac risk factors during treatment to help ensure the patient gets complete and appropriate therapy for their cancer. The cardio-oncologist will also be able to use cardiac imaging to monitor the heart during treatment if needed. The cardio-oncologist can also help treat any cardiac conditions that do arise during cancer treatment.
• After therapy – Cardio-oncology should be part of any survivorship program in which patient has received chest radiation or potentially cardiotoxic cancer therapies.
  
  

Heart care services may vary by location. Please confirm when booking an appointment.