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Men with heart disease may face a substantially higher risk of developing cancer and dying from the disease, according to findings from a major long-term study.
Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and Keele University analysed health data from more than 22,000 people over a period of up to 25 years. Around half of the participants either had cardiovascular disease (CVD) at the beginning of the study or developed it during the research period.
The study found a notable difference between men and women with cardiovascular disease. The estimated lifetime risk of cancer was 17.3% among men with CVD, compared with 12.8% among women with the condition. Among people without CVD, the risk was lower, at 10.2% for men and 8.2% for women.
The strongest links were observed in cancers including lung, oesophageal, gastric and bowel cancers, as well as non-melanoma skin cancer. Men with cardiovascular disease were also more likely to die from lung, oesophageal and gastric cancers than men without heart disease.
Researchers said some of the increased risk could be explained by factors that contribute to both heart disease and cancer. Smoking, obesity and heavy alcohol consumption were identified as major contributors, while wider social and health inequalities may also play a role.
Dr Tiberiu Pana, a cardiology specialist registrar at NHS Grampian and an honorary early-career clinical research fellow at the University of Aberdeen, said the lengthy follow-up period allowed researchers to examine the relationship between cardiovascular disease and cancer in greater detail.
Professor Mamas Mamas of Keele University said further research was needed to understand why cancer risks appear to be particularly elevated among people with cardiovascular disease, especially men. He also called for stronger healthcare pathways to help identify and prevent cancer in patients already living with heart conditions.
Cancer Research UK health information manager Nicola Smith said heart disease and cancer share several risk factors, which may help explain the association. She noted that smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing alcohol consumption are proven ways to lower the risk of both conditions.
The researchers said the findings highlight the importance of taking a broader approach to long-term care for people with cardiovascular disease, including greater awareness of cancer prevention and early detection.
