Recently the American Heart Association published a [Scientific Statement](http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2018/01/31/CIR.0000000000000556?utm_source=STAT%20Newsletters&utm_campaign=3c82a76303-Daily_Recap&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8cab1d7961-3c82a76303-149951437) outlining the risks of cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors, and directing oncologists to weight the risks and benefits of those treatments in light of this increased risk.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. Unfortunately, the treatment for breast cancer – especially chemotherapy – has a negative impact on cardiovascular health. Because treatment now is starting earlier for breast cancer patients (with the advent of early detection), more and more women are at risk of long term cardiac complications. And for older women diagnosed with breast cancer, the cardiovascular risks of treating it with at least certain modalities may outweigh the potential benefit.