Cardio-Oncology Collaboration Essential for Protecting Heart Health During and After Cancer Treatment, ThedaCare Experts Advise
Key Insights
Adult cancer survivors in the United States face a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (search) compared with people who have never had cancer, according to ThedaCare (search) experts.
Cardiotoxicity (search) — damage to the heart and blood vessels caused by cancer therapies — may develop during treatment or years later, requiring ongoing monitoring.
ThedaCare (search)'s cardio-oncology model brings together oncologists and cardiologists to assess baseline risk, customize monitoring plans, and manage cardiac complications without interrupting cancer treatment.
Adult cancer survivors in the United States face a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (search) compared with people who have never had cancer, a reality that ThedaCare (search) is highlighting during National Cancer Survivors Month. The health system is urging patients and providers alike to prioritize long-term heart health for individuals undergoing or who have completed cancer treatment.
"When certain cancer treatments affect the heart and blood vessels, the complication is known as cardiotoxicity (search)," said Dr. Abdallah Malkawi, an interventional cardiologist with ThedaCare (search) Cardiovascular Care who treats people who develop cardiovascular side effects related to cancer treatment. "Depending on the cancer therapy used, subsequent health issues may develop during treatment or years later."
The Cardio-Oncology Model
In the emerging field of cardio-oncology, cancer care and cardiovascular teams work in tandem to address risks before they escalate. Dr. Joseph Bovi, a radiation oncologist and physician chief of ThedaCare (search) Cancer Care, emphasized the value of this integrated approach.
"Many of the most effective cancer therapies we use today also can place stress on the cardiovascular system, particularly in patients with preexisting cardiac risk factors," Dr. Bovi said. "Having a dedicated cardio-oncology collaboration for our patients helps us identify problems earlier, intervene proactively and ensure patients can continue receiving potentially life-saving cancer treatment as safely as possible."
The collaborative model positions oncology teams to guide cancer therapy while cardiology teams assess heart risk, interpret cardiac testing, manage existing heart conditions, and respond promptly when side effects emerge. This dual-specialty oversight helps patients continue essential cancer treatment while reducing the likelihood of serious cardiac complications.
Baseline Assessment and Personalized Monitoring
When appropriate, Dr. Malkawi works closely with ThedaCare (search) Cancer Care teams before a patient's cancer treatment begins. A baseline heart health evaluation considers a person's risks across multiple domains: past heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking history, and family history of heart problems.
"What we learn helps guide monitoring and supportive cardiovascular care during treatment," Dr. Malkawi said. "The good news is this monitoring has improved over time to help better support recommended treatment decisions."
If an oncologist discovers heart health concerns during cancer treatment, Dr. Malkawi stressed that halting cancer care should not be the default response. "We can collaborate to care for that person so their cancer treatment doesn't have to stop," he said. "Working together may include customizing a monitoring plan, reviewing medications for interactions, determining the need for additional heart testing and treating symptoms early."
Surveillance Tools and Long-Term Follow-Up
Monitoring is critical because heart problems may arise before symptoms become apparent. Depending on the treatment regimen and the patient's risk level, monitoring may include echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, blood pressure monitoring, lab testing, and review of symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, swelling, palpitations, dizziness, or unusual fatigue.
Crucially, surveillance does not always end when cancer treatment concludes. Some cardiovascular effects may manifest later, particularly in survivors who received therapies known to adversely affect the cardiovascular system.
"Survivorship means more than finishing treatment," Dr. Bovi said. "It's also about protecting long-term wellness, including heart health."
Patient Engagement and Quality of Life
ThedaCare (search)'s approach positions patients as essential members of the care team. "We want our patients to feel comfortable asking about possible heart-related side effects, symptoms to watch for and how their health will be monitored during and after treatment," Dr. Malkawi said.
Coordinated care also supports the transition into survivorship, when some individuals still require long-term follow-up for heart health. ThedaCare (search) teams provide coordinated care, focus on prevention, monitor closely, and treat problems early — a framework designed to help patients balance effective cancer treatment with cardiovascular health.
"Cancer treatment today is not only about curing disease. It's about helping patients maintain their long-term quality of life," Dr. Bovi said. "By partnering closely with our cardiology colleagues before and during treatment, we can better personalize therapy, reduce complications and support survivorship from day one."