Protecting Your Heart Health During And After Cancer Treatment

A cancer diagnosis brings life into sharp focus. Suddenly, all you can think about is: What can I do to beat this disease?

As you and your care team work toward answering that question, it’s just as important to ask another: How can I protect my heart before, during and after cancer treatment?

“Cancer itself and many of the medications we use to treat it — such as chemotherapy and immunotherapies — can create potential heart complications,” said Meghana Raghavendra, MD, a medical oncologist at Franciscan Health Cancer Center Indianapolis. “We offer a cardio-oncology program that helps people with cancer identify, prevent and manage that risk.”

Franciscan Health’s team of cardiologists, medical and radiation oncologists, nurse navigators, pharmacists and other specialists works with patients to protect their heart health. The team supports patients during treatment and in the years to come.

Key Takeaways: Heart Health And Cancer Treatment

• Some cancer treatments can affect the heart during therapy or years later.
• Franciscan Health’s cardio-oncology program focuses on heart care before, during and after cancer treatment, with close coordination between heart and cancer specialists.
• Early heart assessment and ongoing follow-up help reduce risk and allow cancer treatment to continue as safely as possible.

A Dual Focus On Heart Health And Cancer Treatment

Franciscan Health began its cardio-oncology program in 2016 in Indianapolis. Four years later, the Association of Cancer Care Centers honored it with an Innovator Award. This award recognizes centers for creative and effective approaches to cancer care challenges. The Indianapolis program was named a Gold Center of Excellence by the International Cardio-Oncology Society.

Today, Franciscan Health also offers a cardio-oncology program in Munster that meets the same high standards of care as the Indianapolis location.

The cardio-oncology program provides:

• A heart risk assessment before cancer treatment begins
• Care for people with cancer who have existing heart or blood vessel conditions
• Close monitoring for heart changes during cancer treatment and early intervention when needed
• Long-term heart care for cancer survivors, based on individual need

Oncologists and cardiologists meet regularly to review complex cases, adjust therapies and plan follow-up.

What To Expect At Your First Appointment

The cardio-oncology team strives to see patients within a few days of their cancer diagnosis, Dr. Raghavendra said. The goal of this appointment is to establish a clear baseline of heart health.

The care team may:

• Review your personal and family health history
• Identify heart-related risk factors
• Check how well your heart is working
• Address existing conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes

“Some patients already know they have heart disease,” said Roland Njei, MD, a cardiologist specializing in cardio-oncology at Franciscan Health Munster. “But it isn’t uncommon for us to diagnose high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes for the first time at this appointment.”

Dr. Njei talks with patients about their heart health and how to optimize it as cancer treatment begins. Optimization may include lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet, as well as medicines, such as statins for high cholesterol.

“We want patients to have the best cardiovascular health possible before cancer treatment begins, because it increases the likelihood they’ll tolerate treatment better,” Dr. Njei explained.

The cardio-oncologist shares their findings with the patient’s cancer team. They provide insights that allow the cancer doctors to choose treatment most likely to control the patient’s disease and reduce risk to the heart.

Why Heart Health Matters During Cancer Treatment

When cancer treatment is underway, Franciscan’s cardio-oncology team keeps a close watch and responds quickly to concerns. Patients may receive:

• Regular heart imaging and testing
• Routine check-ins for symptoms like shortness of breath or swelling
• Medication adjustments if heart concerns arise

The team also reassures patients when questions — and fears — arise.

“A cancer diagnosis is already a lot to deal with. It can be stressful to think that

your heart is at risk, too,” said Kris Garcia, cardio-oncology program coordinator at Franciscan Health Munster. “We try to ease their fears and explain that by monitoring them during treatment, we can keep their heart as healthy and safe as possible.”

After Treatment: A Focus On Long-Term Heart Health

Some heart effects can appear years after cancer treatment ends. For instance, radiation near the chest can lead to coronary artery disease or impaired heart function 10 to 20 years later.

In order to address this, the experts with the Franciscan cardio-oncology program provide patients with a structured, long-term follow-up plan. The plan may include imaging, lab testing and preventive medicines.

With a focus on both prevention and monitoring, the Franciscan Health team helps ensure that survivors don’t face a new health crisis years after conquering cancer.

What Cancer Patients Can Do For Their Heart

While care teams guide treatment decisions, patients play an important role in heart health. Dr. Njei encourages patients undergoing cancer treatment to:

• Stay as physically active as possible
• Eat heart-healthy foods
• Avoid smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Take your medications as prescribed

“Let’s be proactive rather than reactive,” he said. “Taking charge of your heart health makes a real difference, whether you are being treated for cancer or just living your life.”

Protect your heart during cancer treatment. If you are facing a new cancer diagnosis, our cardio-oncology team is here to help. Connect with Franciscan Health to schedule an appointment. Call (877) 285-6180 or make an appointment online.