Evaluating the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among breast cancer survivors and the outcomes of cardio-oncology referrals by a breast cancer survivorship clinic.

Abstract

107 Background: Breast cancer survivors have a 4x increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to women never treated for breast cancer and cardiac events are the 2nd most common cause of death in long-term survivors. Attention to reducing the risk of CVD should be a priority for the long-term care of breast cancer survivors. This study was undertaken to describe cardiovascular risk factors in breast cancer survivors, and the cardio-oncology referral patterns and outcomes from cardio-oncology screening visits. Methods: 356 female breast cancer survivors seen at the University of Kansas Breast Cancer Survivorship Center between 2006 and 2012 who completed an initial intake visit were evaluated for cardiovascular risk factors and referrals to cardio-oncology. An expanded list of cardiovascular factors was used: BMI > 25, Diabetes, HTN, HLD, Current/Past Smoker, Family Hx of MI < 60 years, Exercise < 150 min/wk, Ejection Fraction < 50%, and exposure to cardio-toxic breast cancer treatment. Breast cancer survivors without evidence of metastatic disease were on average 57.8 +/-11.0 years old, underwent standard treatment regimens, and were approximately 7.5 years from their initial diagnosis. Results: 13% were already followed by a cardiologist, 21% were referred to cardio-oncology, and 66% were not referred at their initial survivorship visit. There were significant differences in the average number of risk factors between those not referred to cardio-oncology (4.36 +/-1.89), and those referred to cardio-oncology (5.68+/-1.8), and between those already followed by cardiologist (5.91+/-1.75), p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively. The most common risk factors were BMI >25, elevated HDL, exercise <150 min/wk, and exposure to an anthracycline. The most common outcomes following a cardio-oncology visit included further diagnostic tests, medication changes, or a return visit. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the need to determine how to include treatment related risk factors along with traditional cardiovascular risk factors in assessing and managing cardiovascular risk in breast cancer survivors.