Thanks to advances in cancer treatment, more people are living longer than ever after a cancer diagnosis. But some therapies can affect the heart and circulation, meaning survivors may face new health challenges in the years ahead.
Cardio-oncology is a growing field of medicine that focuses on keeping the heart healthy before, during and after cancer treatment. By closely monitoring heart health, doctors can help patients continue with the most effective cancer therapies while reducing the risk of long-term heart problems.
Everyone’s risk is different. Age, existing health conditions, and the type of cancer treatment all play a role. Cardio-oncology brings together cancer specialists, cardiologists and patients to find the right balance – helping people not only survive cancer but also enjoy healthier, longer lives.
To accelerate progress, the NIHR-BHF Cardiovascular Partnership has launched a dedicated Cardio-Oncology Theme. This national programme aims to build the UK’s first cardio-oncology registry, support research across multiple hospitals, and ensure patients are directly involved in shaping priorities. A national group of cancer specialists, cardiologists and patient experts has been established to lead this work. What makes this group unique is that it brings together professionals from radiology, haematology, oncology, and cardiology – working alongside people with lived experience to deliver on the aims of the NIHR-BHF Cardiovascular Partnership: Cardio-Oncology Theme.
At the BHF CRC, we are proud to support the national cardio-oncology group. Collaboration across disciplines, and with patients, is essential to delivering better care and stronger evidence for the future.
As part of this commitment, the group – supported by the BHF CRC – is hosting its first Patient and Public Engagement Event. The event has two main goals: to raise awareness and understanding of cardio-oncology through talks from heart and cancer specialists, alongside patient speakers sharing their personal stories; and to gather feedback from attendees to help shape future research, including clinical trials. By creating space for discussion in this event, we aim to ensure that people with lived experience have a genuine opportunity to guide the priorities of cardio-oncology research and practice.
Sign up to the Patient and Public Engagement Event
If you are a person who has experience living with or caring for someone who has had, or is currently receiving, heart and/or cancer treatment, we invite you to join a conversation with like-minded people during this 2-hour event.
Date: Tuesday, 23 September
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Joining the event: Register to receive the joining link by clicking here.
