In recent years, one of the most important developments in medicine has been the shift from mere patient survival to “healthy, high-quality living.”

This approach is doubly important, especially among cancer patients. In this regard, a new branch called Cardio-Oncology has emerged in the world. It is an interdisciplinary science that studies and manages the effects of treatments Cancer On the heart and blood vessels.

“Azin Alizadeh Asl,” a faculty member at the Shahid Rajaee Institute, saidCardiovascular diseases The Echo Cardiology Fellowship and one of the pioneers in launching this branch in Iran, about the path of formation and the current status of this science in the country:

“that Cardio-oncology It is a common field between cardiology and oncology. Its first sparks were ignited in the world in 2013, and with regard to Iran, and in line with global developments, we established its first specialized clinic in 2015 at Shahid Rajaee Cardiovascular Diseases Hospital. After that, we established the Cardio-Oncology Research Center, the first center of its kind in West Asia And Asia.

Alizadeh, who completed her fellowship at prestigious centers such as Toronto General, Anderson and Methodist in the United States, said:

“This branch is now fully active in Iran With three branches, including treatment, education and research, a formal fellowship for cardio-oncology has been established, and to date than 37 doctors have been trained or are studying in this field.

Fortunately, many of these graduates have established cardiology and oncology clinics at universities and medical centers across the country.”

What is the importance of cardiology and oncology?

According to this university professor, medications and treatments can… Cancer – Classic and modern – to have significant effects on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, monitoring patients’ hearts from the early stages of diagnosis until years after treatment ends is crucial.

Our goal is to prevent heart damage, detect complications early, and treat them promptly. And even in cases Cancer Advanced heart disorders are one of the main causes of patient death. Therefore, cardiac care, along with cancer treatment, not only improves the quality of life of patients but also increases their chances of survival.

Iranian progress in Non-surgical treatments And invasive

Alizadeh added, noting the great progress in heart treatments:

“Fortunately, many non-surgical, invasive and semi-surgical methods are available to patients Cancer In Iran. Today, using technologies such as Angiography Through percutaneous or angioplasty interventions, many heart problems can be treated without the need for open surgery. This is extremely important for patients Cancer Who cannot afford major surgeries.

Challenges and the future of this branch in Iran

In response to a question about the existing challenges, Dr. Alizadeh said:

“With regard to human resources, fortunately, this branch has attracted many young and interested doctors. Our main challenge is to develop specialized facilities and create appropriate infrastructure in all centers of the country. Of course, the support of eminent professors in cardiology and oncology and the cooperation of the Ministry of Health has made this path progress at a good pace.”

Alizadeh also announced the establishment of a branch pediatrics In this field, she said:

“We are currently working on establishing a pediatric cardiology and oncology branch in collaboration with pediatric cardiologists and oncologists. Children with cancer, like the elderly, need careful cardiac care to avoid late cardiac complications after recovery from cancer.”

Message to cancer patients

Finally, Alizadeh stressed the need for patients to pay attention to heart health, saying:

“My message to patients Cancer It is to know that the heart also needs special care. Today, we can help patients continue their treatment Cancer safely, without having to stop taking medications and without worrying about heart complications; “Not only so they can survive, but live a healthy, high-quality life.”