Cardio-oncology: Healthier hearts during and after cancer
Some cancer treatments may cause lasting heart damage – especially for patients with pre-existing heart conditions.
Learn how cancer treatment impacts the heartCardio-oncology Clinic
Cancer survival rates continue to improve due to better treatment options. However, treatment could lead to negative side effects, including damage to your heart. Patients most susceptible to negative heart side effects include those at risk for heart disease prior to their cancer diagnosis.
The cardio-oncology specialists at OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute follow nationally recognized, scientifically proven guidelines to prevent, monitor and treat cardiovascular disease in cancer patients and survivors to ensure long-term health.
Overview
Our program brings together experts in radiology, oncology and cardiology to provide you with optimal cardiovascular care both during and after treatment, including:
- Risk assessment prior to cancer treatment
- Care for patients with cancer who have existing cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart valve disease and arrhythmias
- Monitoring for cardiac complications during cancer therapy
- Care for patients who have cardiac side effects from traditional cancer therapies
- Assessment of cardiac risks related to new or changing cancer therapies
- Assessment of long-term cardiac risk in cancer survivors
- Evaluation of cardiac tumors
What to Expect
You’ll start by meeting with one of our doctors for a comprehensive evaluation. Following the evaluation, our team will develop an individualized treatment plan for you.
Treatment varies according to the type of heart condition you have, your progress, whether you have any other underlying conditions and whether you are currently being treated for cancer.
State-of-the-art Care
OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute uses state-of-the-art imaging technology for our Cardio-Oncology Program to ensure patients receive the best treatment possible.
This technology includes:
- Echocardiography with 3-D imaging: Provides a heart ultrasound
- Cardiac computed tomography: Uses an X-ray machine that moves around the body to take images of each part of the heart
- Cardiac MRI: Creates images of the heart and major blood vessels
- Positron emission tomography: Creates a 3-D image of functional processes in the body
Get Started
After being referred by your primary care provider or oncologist, you’ll be scheduled with the cardio-oncology team at OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute for an evaluation.
Cost
Please talk to your oncology care team for cost information.
In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.