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Sami Mansfield: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among cancer survivors, surpassing cancer itself

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield/LinkedIn

Jan 9, 2025, 15:45

Sami Mansfield: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among cancer survivors, surpassing cancer itself

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield shared on LinkedIn:

“While many cancer survivors worry about sugar fueling cancer, the truth is far more alarming: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death among survivors, surpassing cancer itself.

Here’s the kicker: Over 85% of cancer survivors have at least one cardiovascular risk factor—like high blood pressure, diabetes, or poor diet.

Lifestyle choices, like sugary drinks and inactivity, further amplify this risk.

A recent study in Frontiers on Public Health found: A Divergent relationship between different sugar sources and cardiovascular disease risk

Key Insights of this research

CVD and Lifestyle Risks
Cancer treatments can weaken the heart, leaving survivors vulnerable to conditions like heart failure and stroke. Regular screenings and proactive care are essential.

The Sugar Story
Sugary Drinks: Research shows sweetened beverages drastically increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.
Sweet Treats in Moderation: Surprisingly, small indulgences (like a pastry) may have a neutral—or even slightly protective—effect on heart health.

Why It Matters: Not all sugars are equal. The source and context of sugar intake are crucial.

Lessons from the Past
In the 1980s, eggs were wrongly blamed for heart disease. Today, we know excessive added sugars and unhealthy fats are the real culprits. This evolution underscores the importance of staying informed.

The Takeaway
For cancer survivors, managing cardiovascular risks must be a top priority alongside cancer care. Simple lifestyle changes—like exercising regularly, moderating sugary drink intake, and eating heart-healthy foods—can make all the difference.

A little treat might actually do you good, but that soda? It could spell serious trouble for your heart.

What’s one small step you’re taking to protect your heart health? Share your ideas in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other.

Thank you Baylor Scott & White Health for the image!”

Sami Mansfield: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among cancer survivors, surpassing cancer itself

Additional Information

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield is the founder of Cancer Wellness for Life. She’s been a certified cancer exercise specialist since 2003 and has dedicated her career to implementing evidence-based lifestyle education, resources, and tools into cancer care for both the patients and the providers.
She is also a Chair of Cancer Member Interest Group, at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and Breast Cancer Taskforce Co-Chair at Colorado Cancer Coalition.