Overview
People who have had cancer have a higher chance of heart and blood vessel problems during and after treatment. This is called cardiovascular (heart) disease.
Some cancer treatments affect how the heart works, and some types of cancer increase the risk of blood clots and bleeding. Cancer and heart disease also share many risk factors.
Heart-related side effects from cancer and its treatment are common, but serious problems are rare. It is important to take care of your heart health and tell your doctors about any symptoms as soon as possible.
If you are worried about heart health and cancer, talk to your doctors or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
What's in this fact sheet
About heart health and cancer
Learn about the heart and blood vessels, and why heart health is an important part of cancer treatment.
Key questions
Learn about the shared risk factors for cancer and heart disease, cancer treatments that may affect the heart, and what happens if you already have heart disease.
Ways to keep your heart healthy
Simple changes to your daily habits can help to protect your heart. Understand what you can do for your heart health.
Common heart problems linked to cancer and its treatment
Different types of heart problems that may develop or worsen during or after cancer treatment. These may include angina, blood clots, myocarditis and arrhythmia.
Symptoms to look out for
Symptoms to watch for include chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, fatigue, feeling dizzy, and your heart beating faster or in an unusual way.
Prevention and monitoring
Learn why doctors may check and protect your heart health before, during and after cancer treatment.
Managing heart problems
Read about how heart problems may be managed during cancer treatment, and which health professionals you may see.
Cardiovascular tests
You may need heart tests before starting cancer treatment. These can include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), MRI scan, angiograms, and exercise stress tests.
Questions for your doctor
It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about heart health and cancer.
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