Rehabilitation Needs in Cancer Treatment-Related Cardiotoxicity.

OBJECTIVES

To examine and summarize current international guidelines regarding cardiovascular risk reduction before and during cancer therapy, and to discuss the emerging role of cardio-oncology as a subspecialty in cancer care and the role of cardio-oncology rehabilitation.

DATA SOURCES

Published articles and guidelines.

CONCLUSION

With improvements in cancer detection and the use of novel adjuvant therapies, an increasing number of individuals now survive a cancer diagnosis. However, for some the cost is high - many survivors are now at higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease than from recurrent cancer. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are common and associated with common cancer therapies serially administered in adult oncology care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Timely risk-reduction interventions hold promise in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Oncology nurses are the key providers to identify baseline risks, perform necessary referrals, provide individualized teaching, and support the patient within the family and community.