Nicole Sandhu, MD, PhD, FACP, FAMWA

Cardio-oncology is an emerging discipline addressing the cardiovascular needs of cancer patients treated with potentially cardiotoxic therapies, optimizing care using a multidisciplinary approach. While breast cancer is the most common female malignancy, heart disease remains the most common cause of death. Advances in breast cancer treatment have led to greater long term survival. Thus, protecting patients’ cardiovascular health is essential. It is imperative that physicians understand the risk factors for cardiotoxicity, the cardiovascular effects of different treatment modalities, and appropriate tools to recognize cardiotoxicity. This discussion will educate physicians about this emerging field essential to the care of these patients.