Printer Friendly

Radiotherapy delivered until the mid-1980s increased the risk for mortality from cardiovascular disease

January 30, 2011

Radiotherapy for breast cancer, as delivered until the mid-1980s, increased the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, according to a study of 4,456 women treated between 1954 and 1984 and followed for an average of 28 years.  The risk was greatest for women treated for left-sided breast cancer.  During  follow-up, a total fo 421 deaths due to cardiovascular disease were observed.  Women who had received radiotherapy had a 1.76-fold higher risk of dying of cardiac disease than women who had not received radiotherapy.   Women who were treated with radiotherapy for a left-sided breast cancer had a 1.56-fold higher risk of dying of cardiac disease than those treated with radiotherapy for a right-sided breast cancer.