Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer

Aims: Women diagnosed with breast cancer are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), due to cardiotoxic anti-cancer treatment and shared risk factors, many of which are modifiable. This presentation reports baseline prevalence of CVD risk factors in women participating in a nurse-led intervention to reduce CVD risk in women with breast cancer.

Methods: Women with early-stage breast cancer commencing systemic cancer treatment were invited to attend a nurse-led cardio-oncology clinic and assessed for CVD risk factors, including Body Mass Index (BMI), waist measurement, physical exercise, diet, smoking, sleep apnoea, depression, alcohol use, personal/family history of CVD, and treatment-related factors. The prevalence of risk factors was analysed by frequency.

Results: Of 50 women approached, 42 (84%) enrolled. Participants were aged 33-81 years (median = 58.5). Almost all (n = 41;97.6%) were planned to receive chemotherapy; a majority (26;61.9%) had a plan for radiation therapy, with 17 (65.4%) planned for radiation to the left chest. Almost all (n = 41;97.6%) were assessed as having at least one modifiable risk factor for CVD; the majority (n = 26;61.9%) had three or more. Thirty-one (73.8%) were at increased risk of CVD indicated by waist measurement > 80 cm, 30 (71.4%) due to dietary habits, 27 (64.3%) due to BMI > 25; and 27 (64.3%) due to not meeting physical activity guidelines. Fewer had sleep apnoea (n = 13;31.0%), current/recent smoking (n = 8;19%), unmanaged depressive symptoms (n = 5;11.9%), or high alcohol consumption (n = 2;4.9%). Seventeen (40.5%) had increased risk due to at least one existing cardiovascular condition and 21 (50.0%) due to family history of CVD.

Conclusions: This cohort of women had an increased risk of CVD due to modifiable lifestyle-related factors in addition to treatment related factors. Results highlight the importance of prioritising targeted interventions to address modifiable CVD risk factors in future breast cancer research, practice and policy.