How to protect childhood cancer survivors’ hearts

Childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk to develop heart problems. Parents should be vigilant about heart-healthy habits, like good nutrition and regular exercise.
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As parents, we do all that we can to help keep our kids healthy. If you’re a parent of a cancer survivor, that takes on a new meaning. Kids live full, happy lives after cancer treatments, but one thing to monitor is their heart health.

Lifesaving cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation have increased survival rates and offer the best chance at beating cancer. Unfortunately, these methods can damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing pediatric cancer survivors’ risks of developing conditions linked to heart disease during treatment or later in life.

Chelsea Kriesberg is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Pediatric Cardio Oncology for Advocate Children’s Hospital.

The subspecialty of cardio-oncology was created to focus on early prevention and detection to help reduce the likelihood of heart issues related to cancer. Through understanding a patient’s risk based on their medical history and creating a tailored long-term plan, we support a long and healthy life post cancer treatment.

In addition to working with a cardio-oncology team, patients who have had or currently have childhood cancer should take additional steps to keep their heart as healthy as possible, including:

• Choosing healthy meals and snacks: Make eating healthy a daily priority for the entire family. Find ways that help simplify the process and engage your child. Meal planning and prepping, grocery shopping and cooking together, and cutting up produce in advance to have on hand are all great options.

• Exercising: When children exercise in ways they find enjoyable, they are far more likely to be active. Work with your child to get them into sports and activities they like. Other great ways to stay active as a family include taking walks, hikes or bike rides. Be sure to clear any physical activity with your child’s physician.

• Practicing good sleep hygiene: Teach your child the importance of a good night’s rest by having a regular bedtime and wake-up time each day. Adequate rest will give their body the energy it needs to help keep their heart healthy.

• Partnering with your care team — and being a role model: Work with your child’s care team to make the right decisions for your child’s health as they grow. They may require long-term monitoring or more frequent appointments. As always, make sure you are setting a good example by practicing heart health in your own life.

• Chelsea Kriesberg is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Pediatric Cardio Oncology for Advocate Children’s Hospital. The pediatric cardio-oncology clinic at the Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance is the first dedicated comprehensive clinic in Chicagoland dedicated to serving children and teens. Early screening visits are available for patients of all ages and risk categories. For more information, call (708) 684-5880.