"We tested 14 of the 18 patients who were put back on herceptin and they were all able to complete the course of treatment," Dr. McDonald told the meeting.

The million dollar question is: does herceptin cause lasting damage to the heart? With the development of newer cancer medications that act in a similar fashion to herceptin, understanding the effect of this therapy on the cardiovascular system and response to intervention is critically important.

"It requires cross-specialty teamwork but dealing with herceptin-related cardiac problems is a challenge that can be met," says Dr. McDonald.

Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson Dr. Beth Abramson agrees: "This is good news for Canadian women," she says. "Heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death for women in this country. Hopefully ongoing collaboration between physicians in these fields will reduce both of these serious health threats to Canadian women - and save lives."

Abramson says prevention of heart disease and breast cancer share similar strategies, including following a heart healthy low-fat diet, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Source: HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF CANADA