Study Suggests Link Between Heart Disease, Breast Cancer

It’s not news that heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death worldwide. However, what is new is the connection found between heart disease and breast cancer, a leading form of cancer.

When researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center assessed data collected between 2009 and 2020 from more than 19,000 breast cancer patients, they found that nearly half of the women included in the study had some form of cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, hypertension and/or arterial disease). And that women with metastatic (or late-stage) breast cancer were on average 10 percent more likely to have had pre-existing cardiovascular disease, compared to patients with early-stage breast cancer, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.

Patients in the study average 73 years of age and were mostly white.

“Ten percent may not seem like a lot, but it’s actually quite significant,” says Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer, MDVIP.

What is HR+/HER2− Breast Cancer?

The study also showed that patients who had both diseases (pre-existing heart disease and breast cancer) were more likely to have a specific subset of breast cancer - hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative, or HER2-negative (HER2-). This type of breast cancer comprises about 70 percent of all breast cancer cases, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Significant advancements have been made in the treatment of HR+, HER2-, particularly when the disease is detected in earlier stages. However, MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers pointed out that despite improvements, there’s only a 34 percent five-year relative survival rate among cancer patients.  

Currently, breast cancer prevention focuses on lifestyle and early detection involves screenings. But if there’s a connection between heart disease and breast cancer, it also should consist of heart disease prevention and early detection, researchers recommended. They also suggested personalized screening strategies and more frequent breast cancer early detection screenings for those with some form of cardiovascular disease.  

The Heart Disease-Cancer Connection

The cardiovascular system and immune system are integrated and communicate via hormones and chemical messengers (like neurotransmitters and cytokines). Stress, sleep deprivation or nutritional deficiencies can cause imbalances between the two systems, leading to inflammation, cellular dysfunction and tissue damage that can compromise the immune system’s ability to stave off infections and other diseases. This includes the growing and spreading of breast tumor cells, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers.    

“This study was observational, so more research is needed to define the link between the two diseases. And of course, a more diverse population should be studied and other risk factors like tobacco, diet and exercise history should be considered,” says Klemes. “Still, the study should serve as reminder — work closely with your primary care doctor and be diligent about screenings, particularly if you are managing a heart-related issue.”

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