e-Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2021

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. (#232)

Emma Kemp 1 , Teena Wilson 1 , Sharon Lawn 1 , Robyn A Clark 2 , Michelle Miller 3 , Erin Morton 1 , Billingsley Kaambwa 1 , Richard Reed 1 , Lee Hunt 4 , Shahid Ullah 1 , Bogda Koczwara 1 5
  1. College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  2. College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  3. College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  4. Cancer Voices Australia; Cancer Voices NSW, Milsons Point, NSW
  5. Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Aims

Women diagnosed with breast cancer are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), due to cardiotoxic anti-cancer treatment and shared risk factors, many of which are modifiable. This presentation reports baseline prevalence of CVD risk factors in women participating in a nurse-led intervention to reduce CVD risk in women with breast cancer.

Methods

Women with early-stage breast cancer commencing systemic cancer treatment were invited to attend a nurse-led cardiooncology clinic and assessed for CVD risk factors, including Body Mass Index (BMI), waist measurement, physical exercise, diet, smoking, sleep apnoea, depression, alcohol use, personal/family history of CVD, and treatment-related factors. The prevalence of risk factors was analysed by frequency. 

Results

Of 50 women approached, 42 (84%) enrolled. Participants were aged 33-81 years (median=58.5). Almost all (n=41;97.6%) were planned to receive chemotherapy; a majority (26;61.9%) had a plan for radiation therapy, with 17 (65.4%) planned for radiation to the left chest. Almost all (n=41;97.6%) were assessed as having at least one modifiable risk factor for CVD; the majority (n=26;61.9%) had three or more. Thirty-one (73.8%) were at increased risk of CVD indicated by waist measurement >80cm, 30 (71.4%) due to dietary habits, 27 (64.3%) due to BMI >25; and 27 (64.3%) due to not meeting physical activity guidelines. Fewer had sleep apnoea (n=13;31.0%), current/recent smoking (n=8;19%), unmanaged depressive symptoms (n=5;11.9%), or high alcohol consumption (n=2;4.9%). Seventeen (40.5%) had increased risk due to at least one existing cardiovascular condition and 21 (50.0%) due to family history of CVD.

Conclusions

This cohort of women had an increased risk of CVD due to modifiable lifestyle-related factors in addition to treatment related factors. Results highlight the importance of prioritising targeted interventions to address modifiable CVD risk factors in future breast cancer research, practice and policy.