Hello. I’m awaiting my biopsy results on Tuesday, but am fairly certain from what radiologist said at my recall mammogram appointment, that it is breast cancer. They just need to tell me what sort. There were definitely calcifications, and a small mass . Anyway, whilst I may be jumping the gun, after having chemotherapy for Bowel cancer over 10 years ago, as a very fit 50 year old, I am wondering how radio and chemo could affect my atrial fibrillation, which I have had for the last 5 years. I am not as fit as I was, and my AF has only been under control since September, with a lot of failed control procedures behind me. The next step for my heart if/when permanent AF returns, was going to be a pacemaker. Do people with AF and other heart issues have chemo successfully ?
Hello angepange1
Thank you for posting. It is understandable that whilst awaiting a possible diagnosis of breast cancer, you want to understand how treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy might affect your AF
Not all breast cancers require chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and before any cancer treatment is commenced, your overall health, including your heart health is carefully checked.
If radiotherapy needs to be given in the area close to the heart, then all precautions are taken to protect it. Modern techniques are very accurate meaning that heart problems from radiotherapy are rare.
Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer can affect the heart function. However, anyone with a pre existing condition such as AF would have their heart function carefully assessed before starting any treatment. The decision to give chemotherapy treatment to someone with AF depends on the severity of the AF. In your case a cancer doctor may want to consult with your cardiologist to ensure the safest treatment plan.
Macmillan Cancer Support have some good information on heart health and cancer treatments which you may find helpful to look at. The British Heart Foundation can also offer information and support on the effects of cancer treatment on heart health.
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