Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, right behind heart disease. While new therapies are helping more people survive cancer, they also can cause heart problems.
Recently, the American Heart Association warned breast cancer patients to weigh the benefits of particular treatments against the potential to damage their heart. The AHA found that breast cancer survivors over 65 are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than breast cancer.
There's a new medical specialty called cardio-oncology working to solve this dilemma.
Not all cancer treatments cause cardiac side effects. It's best to talk with your doctor if you're at risk. Here are 5 Things You Need to Know.