Cardio-Oncology Program
Protecting your heart at every stage of cancer
Cancer treatments can be life-saving. Unfortunately, some of the same treatments that destroy cancer cells also damage heart cells. This side effect, known as cardio-toxicity, can put you at risk for heart problems. That’s why we developed the Prisma Health Cardio-Oncology Program to offer specialized cardiac care for cancer patients and survivors.
Our cardiologists collaborate with oncologists to treat patients at any stage of cancer therapy and provide personalized, comprehensive treatment strategies for optimal heart health. Using the most advanced imaging technology and testing to detect early signs of cardiotoxicity, we are committed to keeping your heart healthy before, during and after cancer treatment.
Cardio-Oncology Program services
Our expert team of cardiologists and oncologists provide a wide range of cardio-oncology services, including:
- Cardiologist and oncologist conferring throughout the monitoring process
- Cardiology consultation
- Dedicated echo suite for patients
- Dedicated scheduling representative
- Initial or baseline echocardiogram with strain rate imaging to detect cardiotoxic effects
- Monitoring echocardiograms performed at set intervals; usually 3, 6, 9, and 12 months
Who will benefit from this program?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is important to know that heart problems can arise from chemotherapy, radiation and hormone cancer treatments. Patients who have heart or vascular conditions at the time they are diagnosed with cancer are especially vulnerable to the cardiovascular effects of cancer treatments.
Patients with breast cancer often need cardio-oncology services because of the type of chemotherapy needed to eradicate the cancer. For some new breast cancer drugs, up to 10% of patients have some form of heart failure, but the earlier heart issues are caught, the sooner they can be addressed.
Call 864-455-7070 for more information