What you should know about breast cancer and heart health

When it comes to women’s health, breast cancer often gets the spotlight—and

rightly so. Early detection and treatment advances have saved countless lives.

But one important fact doesn’t get talked about enough: heart disease remains

the leading cause of death in women, and it can directly affect, and be affected

by, a history of breast cancer.

How are heart and breast health linked?

Research shows that women who survive breast cancer are at higher risk for

developing coronary artery disease. There are a few reasons for this:

• Shared risk factors. High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and

lack of physical activity all increase the risk for both heart disease and

breast cancer.

• Cancer treatments. Some chemotherapy medicines and targeted therapies,

as well as radiation to the chest, can have long-term effects on the heart

and blood vessels. While these treatments are essential in fighting cancer,

they may make the heart more vulnerable years later.

• Age. Since both breast cancer and heart disease become more common

with age, many women face both conditions over their lifetime.

What This Means for Survivors

The good news is that awareness is growing. Doctors are now working together

in the field of cardio-oncology, which focuses on protecting the heart before,

during, and after cancer treatment. For patients, this means closer monitoring

of blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart function, particularly if treatments that

affect the heart are part of the cancer care plan.

Practical Steps for Protecting Your Heart

Whether you are currently in treatment, a survivor, or simply mindful of your health,

there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease:

1. Stay active. Even gentle exercise such as walking, stretching, or yoga supports both

heart health and recovery. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate movement each week

if possible.

2. Eat for your heart. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (such as olive oil and nuts) helps protect against both heart disease and cancer recurrence.

3. Don’t skip follow-up care. Regular visits with your oncologist and primary care physician give you a chance to monitor both cancer remission and heart health. Ask your providers how often you should have your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked.

4. Know the signs of heart disease. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, and swelling in the ankles or legs can be signs of a heart problem. Women’s symptoms are sometimes subtle—so don’t ignore changes.

5. Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Both habits increase risk for heart disease and cancer recurrence. Quitting smoking, even after years of use, brings benefits within months.

A Shared Goal: Thriving Long-Term

It’s encouraging to remember that breast cancer survival rates continue to improve. Many women are living decades beyond their diagnosis. Protecting the heart is an important part of ensuring those years are lived with strength and vitality.

If you are a breast cancer survivor, let your care team know about any history of heart problems in your family, and ask whether a cardiology referral might be helpful. If you are currently in treatment, talk with your oncologist about ways to reduce potential heart side effects.

Finally, both breast cancer and heart disease are serious, but they don’t have to define your future. With proactive care, healthy lifestyle habits, and open conversations with your healthcare team, you can take steps to safeguard your heart while moving forward beyond cancer.