The Cardio-Oncology Patients—What They Know and What They Should Know

TL;DR

This study shows that most cancer patients lack awareness of cardiovascular risks from treatment and highlights the need for better education and communication.

Contribution

The study identifies gaps in patient knowledge and physician communication regarding cardiovascular risks in cardio-oncology.

Findings

Only 23.5% of patients correctly defined cardio-oncology.

Younger and more educated patients showed higher awareness of cardiovascular risks.

Most patients were not informed about cardiotoxic effects of cancer treatments.

Abstract

Cardiovascular complications have become increasingly common among cancer survivors, largely due to improved treatment outcomes and longer survival. As events like myocardial infarction and heart failure now significantly affect long-term health, assessing patients’ awareness of these risks is essential. The purpose of this study was to gather information on respondents’ knowledge of their treatment, awareness of cardiovascular risks associated with cancer therapy, and the factors associated with these outcomes. The level of awareness was related to age, education, as well as health behaviors and communication with the physician.

The growing number of patients after oncological treatment makes knowledge about potential cardiovascular complications of cancer therapy particularly important. Early recognition of symptoms enables the rapid initiation of appropriate therapy and improves outcomes. Education in this field increases awareness of the need for regular cardiology follow-up and adherence to health recommendations. It is advisable for patient education on the risk of cardiotoxicity to be included during visits with both the oncologist and the cardiologist. A self-developed questionnaire was used. It consisted of 40 questions (including 16 from the Health Behavior Scale) and 8 additional sociodemographic questions. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by 243 patients of the cardio-oncology outpatient clinic operating within the Department of Cardiology in Poland. In the survey conducted, patients were asked to define the concept of cardio-oncology; only 23.5% of respondents provided a correct answer. The highest level of awareness was observed among individuals under the age of 40 (p = 0.001) and of higher education levels (p < 0.001). Better knowledge was also noted among respondents who recalled being informed by their doctor about complications (p < 0.001) and among those who had undergone cardiological examinations (p = 0.005). The findings further revealed that respondents who recognized the importance of cardiac monitoring following therapy were significantly more likely to engage in health behaviors (p < 0.001). Particularly concerning was the limited communication regarding cardiovascular risks associated with cancer treatment. Only 24.3% of patients reported having been informed (or recalled being informed) by their oncologist about the potential cardiotoxic effects of anticancer drugs. Approximately one-third of respondents (32%) had not been referred for a cardiology consultation during their cancer treatment. Despite this, an overwhelming majority (95.5%) expressed the belief that a cardiologist should assess all oncology patients. These findings underscore critical deficiencies in patients’ education within the field of cardio-oncology. Health education interventions during oncological follow-up visits are needed