Colon cancer increases heart-related death risk in patients

A recent study highlights a concerning link between colon cancer and the risk of dying from heart disease. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Researchers now warn that patients with colon cancer, especially younger adults under 50, should pay close attention to their heart health. The study found that colon cancer patients under 50 are 2.4 times more likely to die from heart disease within two years of their diagnosis. All colon cancer patients face an increased risk of heart-related death, especially within this two-year timeframe. Younger adults, Black patients, and men are particularly vulnerable. Dr. Ahsan Ayaz, a researcher from New York, stressed that the period shortly after diagnosis is critical. He recommends aggressive management of heart health, including controlling risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure and improving coordination between cancer care teams and primary care providers. The study is particularly relevant as colon cancer rates are rising among those under 50, even though rates are declining for older age groups. Between 2012 and 2021, rates increased by 2.4% per year in this younger group. Death rates for individuals under 55 have also been rising by about 1% annually since the mid-2000s. Researchers analyzed data from over 630,000 adults diagnosed with colon cancer from 2000 to 2021. They discovered that colon cancer patients are 16% more likely to die from heart problems than those without the disease. In the first two years after diagnosis, this risk becomes even more pronounced, increasing by 45% overall, 55% for men, and 74% for Black patients. The increased risk may result from cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which can adversely affect heart health. The cancer itself could also cause inflammation and other heart-related issues. Researchers plan to study heart-related deaths further among patients receiving various cancer treatments and consider how other factors like wealth and healthcare access may influence risks. The findings are preliminary and will need to be published in a peer-reviewed journal for confirmation.