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Heart Disease Men: Higher Cancer Risk
21 Aug
Summary
- Men with heart disease face higher cancer risk.
- Smoking, obesity, and alcohol drive cancer in men.
- Link is most pronounced for lung and esophageal cancers.
Men diagnosed with heart disease face a heightened risk of developing and succumbing to cancer, according to recent research. This elevated risk is particularly pronounced for lung and esophageal cancers.
The study identified smoking, obesity, and excessive alcohol intake as significant contributors to cancer cases and mortality among men with cardiovascular disease (CVD). These lifestyle factors appear to be common drivers for both conditions.
Analysis of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk study data over 25 years revealed that individuals with CVD had a greater lifetime risk of cancer. This risk was notably higher in men (17.3%) compared to women (12.8%) among those with CVD.
Furthermore, men with heart disease exhibited increased rates of death from gastric, esophageal, and lung cancers when contrasted with men without heart disease. Experts are calling for enhanced risk management strategies, including targeted screening and prevention efforts, to address this disparity.
The findings suggest that cardio-oncology services should also focus on identifying and preventing cancer development in patients with existing cardiac conditions. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and moderating alcohol consumption are recommended for reducing risk.
