Cancer treatment often demands strength, resilience and hope. But many effective therapies — chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy — can put stress on the cardiovascular system. That’s why our Cardio-Oncology Program exists: to deliver integrated heart and vascular care before, during, and after cancer treatment. We make sure your cancer care does not come at the expense of your long-term heart health.
What is Cardio-Oncology?
Cardio-Oncology is a specialized field — a collaboration of cardiology and oncology — focused on preventing, diagnosing and managing cardiovascular complications that may arise from cancer therapies. This includes the heart damage sometimes caused by chemotherapies, targeted therapies, or radiation therapy.
Our goal is to ensure patients receive the full benefits of cancer treatment, while minimizing risk to their heart and vascular health.
Who benefits from this program?
You may be referred to Cardio-Oncology if you are:
About to start cancer treatment and have existing heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. high blood pressure, prior heart issues, diabetes, etc.).
Diagnosed with cancer but also managing heart conditions.
Already undergoing cancer treatment and at risk for or showing early signs of cardiotoxicity.
A cancer survivor, especially if therapy included radiation or certain chemotherapies, and you need long-term cardiovascular surveillance and care.
What our team does.
Our multidisciplinary Cardio-Oncology team works together with oncologists, hematologists, radiation specialists, and advanced-practice providers to deliver coordinated, patient-centered cardiovascular care. Here’s how:
Before Cancer Therapy: Comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation; risk-stratification; baseline imaging and heart health assessment; optimization of blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.; tailored recommendations to reduce cardiac risk before therapy begins.
During Cancer Treatment: Regular cardiac monitoring using advanced imaging (echo, MRI, etc.) and blood markers; early detection of cardiotoxicity; medication management or modification of therapy when needed; close communication between cardiology and oncology to balance heart and cancer treatment needs.
After Treatment / Survivorship: Long-term surveillance for late-onset heart disease related to past cancer therapies; periodic imaging and risk assessment; lifestyle guidance, heart-healthy habits, and, when needed, ongoing cardiovascular care.
Why Cardio-Oncology matters.
- Many cancer treatments — including certain chemotherapies and radiation — can cause cardiotoxicity, heart muscle damage, arrhythmias, or vascular disease. That risk is real even decades after treatment.
- Without early detection and management, heart complications may limit effective cancer therapies or lead to chronic cardiovascular disease.
- A cardio-oncology program enables patients to receive life-saving or life-prolonging cancer care — while protecting the heart. That means better long-term outcomes, fewer complications, and greater quality of life.
If you or a loved one is preparing for cancer treatment or is a cancer survivor and has concerns about heart health, our Cardio-Oncology team is here. Through early evaluation, careful monitoring, and collaborative planning, we help you pursue the most effective cancer care without compromising cardiovascular health.
Ask your oncologist for more information about how Cardio-Oncology can support you.