Cardiac alterations following radiation therapy in individuals with breast cancer

Abstract

One of the most prevalent cancers in women is breast cancer, which is typically treated with radiation therapy (RT) which can lead to cardiovascular (CV) disease. The severity of these complications depends on the amount of radiation to the heart. In addition to hurting the cardiac tissue, RT also damages the blood vessels. Individuals with left breast cancer have a higher risk of developing CV disease as a result of RT than those with right breast cancer. Furthermore, women with risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and family history, are more likely to develop CV disease side effects from RT.