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Question: Am I at risk for heart problems due to my cancer treatment?
Answer:The risk depends on the type of cancer treatment you are receiving and your individual health history.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerFor example, chemotherapy drugs like anthracyclines and certain radiation therapies, particularly when directed at the chest area, are known to increase the risk of heart problems. Additionally, pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can make the heart more vulnerable. Your doctor can assess your risk and help monitor and manage your heart health during treatment.
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Question: How does cancer treatment affect my heart?
Answer:The heart and circulatory system can sometimes be affected by specific cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerBy working closely with oncologists and cardiologists, patients can get the best care possible for their cancer and their heart health. Cardio-oncology helps monitor, manage and minimize heart-related side effects, so you can focus on your cancer recovery with confidence.
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Question: Can a cardio-oncologist help me if I already have heart disease and need cancer treatment?
Answer:A cardio-oncologist can absolutely help you if you need cancer treatment and are already living with heart disease.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerCardio-oncology is designed to support patients with pre-existing heart conditions who need cancer treatment. A cardio-oncologist will work with your oncologist to adjust treatment options, monitor your heart health and minimize risks. This collaborative approach ensures that both your cancer and heart health are managed at the same time, giving you the best chance for successful treatment outcomes.
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Question: How can I prevent heart problems while undergoing cancer treatment?
Answer:There are several ways to prevent heart problems while you’re undergoing cancer treatment.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThese methods include:
- Regular monitoring: Working closely with your oncologist and cardiologist to monitor your heart health is key to catching issues early.
- Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress and avoiding smoking can help protect your heart.
- Medication: Your doctor may recommend medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol or other factors that affect heart health.
- Adjusting cancer treatment: In some cases, treatment plans may be adjusted to reduce the impact on the heart without compromising cancer care.
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Question: Should I be seeing a cardiologist while undergoing cancer treatment?
Answer:If you're receiving treatments that could affect your heart, it’s a good idea to work with a cardiologist during your cancer treatment.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThey can help monitor your heart function, manage any emerging issues and ensure that your cancer treatments don’t negatively affect your heart health. A cardiologist will also be there to provide guidance and support throughout your cancer journey.
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Question: What tests will be done to monitor my heart during cancer treatment?
Answer:Your doctor may recommend several tests to monitor your heart health during cancer treatment.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThese tests could include:
- Echocardiograms (echo): An ultrasound of your heart to assess its function and structure.
- Electrocardiograms (ECG): To check for abnormal heart rhythms.
- Blood tests: To measure heart-related biomarkers and detect early signs of damage.
- MUGA scans: A type of nuclear scan to measure how well your heart is pumping blood.
- Cardiac MRI: In some cases, this may be used for a more detailed view of the heart.
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Question: How do I access WholeYou?
Answer:To sign up for WholeYou, you will need an AdventHealth patient account with access to your medical records. You can create an AdventHealth account by visiting AdventHealth.com and clicking the My Account button or by downloading the AdventHealth app from your phone’s app store.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerTo ensure access to your medical records is enabled, open the AdventHealth app and select MyChart.
Once you have an AdventHealth patient account with MyChart enabled, you will be able to log in to the WholeYou app.
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Question: How common is gastrointestinal (GI) cancer?
Answer:Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common and impactful types of cancers worldwide. Together, they account for a substantial portion of all cancer cases. Their frequency brings awareness to the importance of early detection, and preventive measures like cancer screenings, which can improve outcomes.
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Question: What causes GI cancer?
Answer:Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers can develop due to a mix of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Family history and inherited conditions raise the risk, while lifestyle habits — like diets high in red meat, smoking, heavy drinking, and obesity — are also major contributors.
Infections, such as helicobacter pylori for stomach cancer or hepatitis for liver cancer, increase risk, as do chronic inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s. Age, certain environmental exposures, and prior cancer treatments can also play a role. While not all causes are avoidable, healthy habits and regular screenings can go a long way in lowering the risk.
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Question: What are the stages of heart failure?
Answer:Heart failure is typically classified into four stages (Stage A to Stage D) based on the severity of the condition and symptoms. These stages help doctors determine the appropriate treatment and management plan.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerStage A: At Risk for Heart Failure
People in Stage A have risk factors for heart failure, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, but do not yet have heart failure or symptoms. Early intervention can help prevent the progression to later stages.
Stage B: Early Heart Failure (Structural Heart Changes)
Stage B includes people who have structural heart changes (like weakened heart muscle or damaged valves) but do not have symptoms of heart failure. They are at high risk of developing full-blown heart failure and may be prescribed medications to prevent progression.
Stage C: Symptomatic Heart Failure
In Stage C, heart failure is present, and the person experiences symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue and fluid retention. The heart’s ability to pump blood is significantly impaired. Treatment at this stage focuses on symptom control and improving heart function.
Stage D: Advanced Heart Failure
Stage D is the most severe stage of heart failure, where the symptoms are severe and difficult to control, even with aggressive treatments. At this stage, the person may require advanced treatments such as a heart transplant, ventricular assist devices (VADs), or hospice care.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression from one stage to another, especially in stages A and B, where intervention can prevent symptoms from developing.