UK men with heart disease at higher risk of developing and dying from cancer
Decade-long study finds stark gender difference in outcomes of people with heart disease Millions of men with heart disease have a higher risk of developing and dying from cancer, according to a decades-long study. The biggest drivers behind male cases were smoking, obesity and drinking too much alcohol, researchers said, with the link most pronounced in lung and oesophageal cancers. Continue…
A decade-long study has revealed a significant gender disparity in the outcomes of individuals with heart disease. Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and Keele University analyzed health data from 22,000 Britons over a span of 25 years, uncovering stark differences in the risk of developing and dying from cancer between men and women with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The study discovered that men with heart disease had a 17.3% lifetime risk of cancer, compared to women with CVD at 12.8%. Similarly, men without CVD had a 10.2% risk of cancer, while women without the condition faced a 8.2% risk. Dr. Tiberiu Pana, a cardiology specialist, explained that the relationship between heart disease and cancer risk has been known, but the thorough investigation of this extensive patient group over a prolonged period unveiled clear distinctions between men and women across various factors in those with CVD and all types of cancer.
Further analysis indicated that individuals with heart disease exhibited higher rates of gastric, oesophageal, lung, bowel, and non-melanoma skin cancers. These cancers were particularly prevalent among men. Men with CVD also faced a higher risk of mortality from gastric, oesophageal, and lung cancers compared to those without heart disease. Researchers believe that common risk factors between CVD and cancer may contribute to this phenomenon.
Experts emphasize the need for further research to comprehend the underlying reasons behind the increased cancer risk in those with heart disease. Dr. Nicola Smith of Cancer Research UK pointed out that many causes of cancer and heart disease overlap due to factors like smoking, which affects men more. Both heart disease and cancer are more common in individuals from deprived areas, adding complexity to the issue.
To reduce the likelihood of both diseases, Nicola Smith and Dr. Pana recommend proven steps such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and moderating alcohol consumption.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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