Statins after chemo - advice

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi - I am hoping you can help me. I finished chemotherapy at the end of April 2023 (Carboplatin and Docetaxol). I also had Phesgo at same time. Herceptin injections then continued until Jan 24. I am now on Zoledronic acid infusions for 3 years.

I have developed chronic kidney disease from chemo and although it is not causing me any issues, I have been told by my GP to take statins due to my kidney function as it will protect me from heart issues and stroke.

I am not keen on the idea of taking statins, especially after such a lot of treatment over the past 2 years. Are you able to help me understand why I need them. My cholesterol is normal and my BP is good too. I have no heart issues at all.

Thank you
Kathryn

1 Like
2

Hi k_123

Thank you for your post. It’s understandable that you’d like to know more about why statins have been recommended for you.

Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD) can lead to serious health conditions including cardiovascular disease, a condition that includes heart attack and strokes.

Statins are a group of medicines that help prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. According to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) statins can be used as a preventative measure and your GP can undertake a risk assessment to work out if this is beneficial for you. You could discuss your risk further with your GP to help in your decision. You could also speak to your treatment team for further advice.

You may also find the National Kidney Federation a good source of information regarding this.

Kidney Care UK also has some good information about CKD and healthy lifestyle choices which are important in preventing cardiovascular disease.

We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through, have any further questions or would like to speak with us about the above services. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form by ticking the box agreeing to a call back.

Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.

Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.

Best wishes

Helen

Breast Care Nurse

Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy

As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.