Recent studies have shown a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among colorectal cancer patients. This connection is most important for those diagnosed under the age of 50. Ahsan Ayaz, MD, is an internal medicine resident at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, New York. He’s the principal investigator on the research team that first brought these discoveries to prominence. The study highlights the need to focus on future cardiovascular health among younger colorectal cancer survivors who have a higher risk of developing CVD.
Colorectal cancer has an average age of diagnosis of 66 years. There’s been a disturbing uptick in diagnoses among younger adults, sending red flags up the staff of medical experts. Chemotherapy and radiation, some of the most effective treatments for colorectal cancer, are well-established to have damaging effects on the heart and blood vessels. These same treatments can lead to heart disease, hypertension or blood clots. The risk is higher in the two years following diagnosis.
The report found that people with colorectal cancer who are under 50 have a 2.4x increased risk of death by cardiovascular causes. This is especially true compared to those without a cancer diagnosis. Because the risk is dramatically elevated immediately following diagnosis, this increase is probably attributable to common factors such as inflammation, diet, and obesity.
“Colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease share common risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and chronic inflammation. Studying this link helps determine whether these factors contribute to increased mortality in colorectal cancer patients,” said Ahsan Ayaz, MD.
The investigators urge that all patients who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer should be screened for CV disease and provided necessary care. Paving the way with continued investment in data infrastructure, this approach is essential to improving patient care and lowering mortality from CV complications.
“The importance of this is that these patients once diagnosed with colorectal cancer should be worked up for cardiovascular disease and treated appropriately. Furthermore, it provides further evidence that there may be similar causes for both cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, such as inflammation, diet, and obesity,” stated Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD.
A multidisciplinary approach is therefore suggested to deal with young patients with colorectal cancer. This includes access to specialized cardio-oncological care in the first two years after initial diagnosis to prevent and treat these increased cardiovascular risks.
“Patients with colorectal cancer, particularly those among high-risk subgroups, should receive specialized cardio-oncological care particularly within two years of initial diagnosis,” emphasized Ahsan Ayaz, MD.
Liu’s study serves as an important example of the value of ongoing research. It’s time to dig deep into the genetic markers, lifestyle, and other factors that are fueling this scary trend. These insights might lead to better preventive measures and therapeutic approaches.
“These findings are extremely important because of the large increase in young patients being diagnosed with colorectal cancer and provides some insight into causation which can lead to more effective preventive options,” noted Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD.
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