Impact of cardiovascular disease on cancer incidence and mortality

Abstract

– Emerging evidence has revealed that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) identify individuals prone to developing cancer. However, the precise impact and which CVD is most associated with future cancer is not clear. Therefore, we present an up-to-date impact of CVD on cancer incidence and cancer-related mortality. – A scoping review with a systematic approach was performed in adherence to the guidelines of Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Studies evaluating cancer incidence and mortality among individuals with pre-existing CVD or cardiovascular (CV) risk assessments were included. To categorize the data, sub-groups were created: 1) coronary artery disease, 2) atrial fibrillation, 3) congenital heart disease, 4) heart failure, 5) hypertension, 6) thrombosis, and 7) cardiovascular health indicators. Various predictor indices were plotted in forest plots to visualize effect of CVD or CV health indicators on cancer incidence and cancer-related mortality. – The search strategy and screening process yielded 47 full-text articles for data-extraction. All CVDs and CV health indicators demonstrated an overall elevated risk of future cancer or cancer-related mortality (Figure 1). In the current evaluation, atrial fibrillation, congenital heart disease and thrombosis presented the strongest associations. Additionally, sex differences were subtle but present, favoring women. – This scoping review highlights that the manifold of CVD and CV health indicators increase the risk of new-onset cancer and cancer-related mortality. Together, these findings emphasize the need for awareness of future cancer in patients with CVD as well as further in-depth studies for proper comparisons.