Questions to Ask

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, there are several key questions about radiation and your heart that you should ask your health care professional during your next visit. These questions will ensure that you and your doctor have talked about major risk factors so that you can stay as healthy as possible.

• I have a pacemaker. How does that change my radiation treatment?
• Do I need any special tests or checks of my pacemaker before, during, or after my radiation?
• Are there any ways to decrease the dose of radiation to my heart during treatment?
• What chemotherapies increase my risk of heart damage when combined with radiation?
• What type of cardiac monitoring will I receive before, during and after my cancer treatment?
• What symptoms might be a sign of heart damage from radiation? When should I call my cancer team right away?

When to Call a Doctor

During radiation treatment, you will see your radiation oncologist at least once a week to watch for any concerning symptoms. Typically, a radiation follow-up will occur between one to three months after completion of your treatment and then may rotate with other health care professionals.

Your radiation oncologist may want to follow up with you every three to six months for the first few years after your treatment ends, or they may have you follow up with your other oncologists. The schedule for follow-up appointments depends on your doctor and your type of cancer. Make sure to discuss long-term care before completing your radiation so you understand when you will need to see your doctor.

As always, if you are having severe chest pain or any new symptoms concerning for heart disease, you should seek emergency care and call 911.