A recent population-based case-control study conducted by researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has revealed a significant link between advanced breast cancer at the time of diagnosis and an increased likelihood of prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women aged 66 years and older.
Led by Ivan Angelov, the study analyzed a cohort of 19,292 matched female patients, of whom 9,478 had pre-existing CVD. The findings showed that women diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer were at a higher risk of CVD compared to those with early-stage breast cancer. Using propensity score-matched, multivariable-adjusted models, the researchers reported an odds ratio of 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.17; P = 0.007), indicating a statistically significant association.
Notably, the increased risk was more pronounced in individuals with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.19; P = 0.006) compared to hormone receptor-negative breast cancer (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.21; P = 0.83). When further breaking down the disease stages, directionally consistent odds ratios were observed for locally advanced (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.17; P = 0.02) and metastatic breast cancer (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.54; P = 0.15) across receptor subtypes.
The study authors highlighted that this association between advanced breast cancer and CVD risk was independent of factors such as delayed diagnosis and shared risk contributors. This underscores the need for heightened cardiovascular monitoring and care for patients presenting with advanced stages of breast cancer.
“This retrospective case-control study found an association between prevalent CVD and a more advanced stage of breast cancer at diagnosis, independent of factors associated with delayed diagnosis and shared risk,” the authors noted in their publication.
One of the study’s contributors disclosed affiliations with Artidis Research, Varian Medical Systems, and Oncora Medical, though this did not impact the study’s findings.
These results shed light on the critical need to address the dual burden of cancer and cardiovascular health in older women, emphasizing the importance of integrated care strategies. For more insights into health-related studies and updates, explore our blogs, articles, and videos on our health portal.
