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According to a story from Healio, a recent study found that people recently diagnosed with head and neck cancer, more specifically head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, face an increased risk of cardiovascular health events, such as stroke or heart attack. This was a retrospective study of data from US veterans. Risk of mortality overall increased as well in newly diagnosed patients, largely due to the potential for cardiovascular problems.

About Head and Neck Cancer

The vast majority of cases of head and neck cancer are a type called squamous cell carcinoma. This type can appear on the skin and within the lining of many hollow organs, such as those of the digestive and respiratory systems. The throat, nasal cavity, and mouth are also possible locations. There are a number of risk factors for head and neck cancer, such as tobacco, alcohol, betel nuts, gastroesophageal reflux, stem cell transplant, HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, and a diet heavy in red meat, processed meat, and eggs. Symptoms include breathing difficulties, facial swelling, a sore throat that doesn’t heal, a lump or sore that doesn’t heal, bleeding, vocal changes, and difficulty swallowing. Treatments include targeted therapies, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and photodynamic therapy. To learn more about head and neck cancer, click here.

About the Study

Scientists have theorized that these patients could be at an increased risk of cardiovascular issues due to the presence of potential risk factors and administration of therapies for head and neck cancer that are known to have cardiotoxic adverse effects. The study drew from data that included 35,897 people. These patients had newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Primary outcome measures included cumulative incidence of heart attack or stroke, all-cause mortality, the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors, and risk factor disease control at the time of diagnosis.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease were present among the cohort, including diabetes (22.3%), hypertension (67%), and hyperlipidemia (51.4%). While many patients received treatment for these conditions, 47% presented with one or more uncontrolled risk factors. People of Black ancestry were more likely to have an uncontrolled risk factor.

Many of the risk factors for the development of head and neck cancer strongly overlap with cardiovascular disease risk factors. The authors recommend that oncologists remain diligent in countering these risk factors during treatment by encouraging the cessation of tobacco use, managing/monitoring blood pressure, and seeking input from cardiologists in especially high-risk patients.