Cancer and heart disease are two major health disorders but affect different areas of the body. Though they may appear unrelated, they actually could interact in important ways. Understanding their relationship better can help deal with both conditions more effectively.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which the abnormal cells of the body start to grow wildly. Normally, the growth of our cells and division of cells follow an orderly process, while cancerous cells do not follow the norms. These can also form lumps or tumors and maybe spread to other parts of the body. There is more than one variety of cancer; all have different methods of treatment.
Following are some of the common types of cancer:
- Breast Cancer: This type is the result of cells in the breasts.
- Lung Cancer: Cancer cells appearing in the lungs can extend to any other organ of the body.
- Prostate Cancer: This is a type of malignancy occurring in the prostate gland of men.
- Leukemia: Malignancy occurring in blood and bone marrow.
However, doctors come to know various procedures through which they can diagnose and treat cancer by surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease, on the other hand, is a term originally coined for different kinds of pathological disorders that might have a serious impact on the heart. This includes problems like:
- Heart Attack: Blockage of the blood flow to any part of the heart.
- Heart Failure: When the heart is not working properly in pumping blood.
- Arrhythmia: Irregularity in heartbeat and rhythm.
The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body for it has the role of regulating the flow of blood carrying oxygen and nutrition throughout the human body. As soon as it stops functioning well, it could give rise to acute health problems.
How Cancer and Heart Disease are Connected
Even though cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth, and heart diseases are a group of disorders that involve the heart, one can still marry them together in various ways. This partial correlation includes:
Effects of Treatments for Eliminating Cancer on the Heart
Some of the therapies and treatments that are created to kill or reduce unnatural growth of cancer could have side effects on the heart. For instance:
- Chemotherapy: This is a general way of treatment for cancer where strong medications are used to kill the cancerous cells. However, some of the drugs used in chemotherapy bear the capacity to weaken the muscle of the heart, thus adding further insults to an already suffering heart, making it hard to pump blood.
- Radiation Therapy: This treatment mode involves high-energy rays that are used to aim at killing the cancerous cells. Radiation at times, if focused on the chest may create issues with the heart and blood vessels and could lead to problems in the same.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease in Cancer Patients
There might be many reasons as to why cancer patients are possessed with a higher risk of developing heart diseases, some of them follow:
- Cancer Itself: The psychological trauma instigated by the onset of cancer and the extra burden that cancer places on body systems promote increased risks of heart disease development.
- Cancer Treatments: As has been discussed, some of the treatments used to combat cancer can have an effect on the heart.
- Lifestyle Factors: Individuals diagnosed with cancer can have additional lifestyle factors such as smoking and sedentary living, which can put them more at risk for developing heart disease.
Common Risk Factors
There are some common risk factors that contribute to the overall risk of heart disease and cancer. Some of the following common risk factors include:
- Smoking: This is one of the leading top risk factors for either cancer or heart disease.
- Poor Diet: Too much intake of junk food increases the risk of either of the diseases.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Regular exercise keeps the heart healthy but it also decreases the chance of the growth of a tumor.
Managing Both Cancer and Heart Health
If one has cancer, then one should pay proper attention to one’s heart. Here is how to take care of both:
Healthy Eating
Importance of a healthy diet in one’s life: The ways of healthy eating are as follows:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Should majorly compose the diet. They make available vital vitamins and minerals which enhance overall health.
- Whole Grains: Usually, brown rice and all varieties of bread made from whole wheat are always better than the refined grain types.
- Lean Proteins: Always get the source from chicken, fish, and beans, not from red meats or processed foods.
Exercising Routinely
Regular physical activity helps your heart and your overall health. Even light exercise, such as walking, can be helpful. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity on most days of the week. Before starting a new exercise program, talk with your doctor if you have not been active in some time or if you have any health problems, like cancer.
Keeping Track of Your Health
In order to be checked up and to evaluate your heart health, after-effects of cancer therapy, you need to follow up regularly with your doctor if you:
- Chest Pains, Shortness of Breath or Unusual Fatigues: These are not good symptoms; tell your doctor about them.
Stress Management
Mind, mood, body, and heart are all affected by stress. Relax through meditation, yoga, or hobbies you enjoy.
Drug Compliance
You should try to follow as closely as possible the instructions your doctor gives you on cancer when you have cancer and take drugs of any nature. There are a few drugs that may be in the treatment of cancer with activity on the heart. For example, your treatment may need to be modified by your doctor due to some potential, adverse side effects.
Why See a Cancer Specialist
In the event one suffers from cancer, then equally important is the expert care. Dr. Vikesh Shah a Cancer Doctor in Ahmedabad who enjoys an excellent reputation across the city and has the expertise to treat cancer and its effects. Dr. Vikesh Shah can advise you on appropriate treatment options and can help alleviate any concerns you may have about heart health relating to the cancer treatments.
Contact Us for Consultation
We welcome any question or concern related to cancer or heart health, or if you need to be seen by a specialist. A consultation with Dr. Vikesh Shah provides in-depth, personalized, and treatment recommendations. Your health is important, and proper care will make a big difference.
Dr. Vikesh Shah appointment can be arranged today. Take your contact so as to avail you proper support towards your better health journey.
While they seem to be two separate entities, cancer and heart disease do in fact converge on many levels. Cancer treatment may have effects on heart health, and those suffering from cancer may further exacerbate the risks of heart-related complications. This forms the basis as to why individuals with either kind take heed to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and what the doctors advise for management.
Dr. Vikesh Shah, a well-known Cancer Specialist in Ahmedabad, is here to help you understand and deal with the interaction that starts between cancer and the heart to give you professional treatment and advice. Please do contact us for an appointment to get started on the road to good health.