Testicular Cancer Possibly Connected to future Heart Conditions

Studies have shown that men who have suffered from testicular cancer in the past have been revealed to be at a higher risk of contracting cardiovascular complications in the future. In a press release from the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network), Dr. Mohammad Abu Zaid, one of the study’s researchers stated that the goal of their activities was to integrate early prevention techniques into the battle against heart disease, in order to reduce the potential number of risks faced by various candidates. The Chairman of the NCCN Guidelines Panel concerning testicular cancer, Dr. Timothy Gilligan observed that most cancer survivors’ medical issues do not end with remission, and can lead to additional health risks such as cardiovascular complications. This is especially true for patients whose treatment involved radiation or chemotherapy, and results of the study have been designed to try and identify a reason behind this relationship.

Results of the Study

Dr. Zaid and his fellow researchers based their study on 486 candidates who had suffered from testicular cancer in the past. These patients had also all undergone a certain level of chemotherapy during their treatment, and it was discovered that this group experienced above average rates of health risk factors connected to heart disease. Reports indicated that when compared to men who had never contracted any form of testicular cancer, survivors of the condition portrayed higher chances of risk regarding elements such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and in some instances also exhibited more symptoms of being overweight than their counterparts.

It was also discovered that a significant number of people who suffered from testicular cancer also suffered from metabolic syndrome, with the odds increasing with advanced age in this group. Metabolic syndrome is identified in individuals who suffer from three or more related conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, low levels of good cholesterol, abdominal obesity, and increased triglyceride levels. Dr. Zaid noted that there are no set methods of determining the cause of metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors, and further long-term studies on such candidates would have to be conducted in order to acquire such an answer.

Battling the Elevated Risk

In their final report, the researchers stated that BLS certification holders should make a point of screening survivors of testicular cancer for risk factors related to heart disease during medical checkups. This particular population should also be encouraged to participate in a variety of healthy activities, including regular exercise and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and the like. These proactive measures could go a long way in ensuring that such candidates are able to lessen their risk of contracting such conditions as much as possible. Dr. Zaid also stated that the results of this study will also help the medical world determine which particular risk factors are more likely to lead to heart disease.

The study has been welcomed by the scientific communities specializing in this realm, and was published on the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s website after completion, enhancing its accessibility.