“There could be something going wrong and I wouldn’t even know”: a qualitative study of perceptions of people with cancer about cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and its management

Purpose: Despite being at higher risk, many people with cancer do not receive adequate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment or management. The purpose of this research was to examine people with cancer’s perceptions, experiences and needs regarding CVD risk factor awareness, assessment and management. 

Methods: We conducted 15 individual interviews to examine people with cancer’s perspectives regarding CVD care in cancer. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to collect and organise data into themes and to synthesise findings. 

Results: Fifteen people (6 males) diagnosed with diverse cancer types participated. Majority participants were not or only somewhat aware of CVD risk in cancer, but all expressed it was an important issue. A diverse range of priorities and needs for CVD care was discussed, including some participants’ prioritisation of dealing with cancer and preferred amount, type and manner of information provision and support. Websites and brochures were identified as potential solutions for optimising CVD care. 

Conclusions: Codesign methodology should be used to engage patients in the development of flexible, tailored resources to increase awareness of CVD risk and strategies for its management. 

Implications for Cancer Survivors: Perceptions of people with cancer regarding CVD care can inform new interventions that reduce the impact of CVD in cancer.