Does breast cancer heighten risk of fatal heart attack?
Women who find out that they have got breast cancer may be at an increased risk of suffering from a fatal heart attack.
New research has found that men are 11 times more likely to experience a fatal heart attack after finding out that they have prostate cancer. However, experts told cancer cover holders that a similar effect could be seen in breast cancer patients.
The findings showed that the impact was even seen in younger men and those with no history of the heart problems in their family. Swedish scientists who published the research told cancer cover holders: "It is not unreasonable to believe that similar effects could be observed among women with breast cancer."
Over four million men were looked at in the study, with stress being blamed for the likelihood of heart problems.
However, some groups have criticised the findings, created by looking at the medical records of the 4.3 million men.
Dr Sarah Cant, head of policy and campaigns at the Prostate Cancer Charity, told cancer cover holders that the research does not look at high blood pressure, mental illness and risk factors of cardiovascular problems.
"It is important to remember that even if further research did prove a strong association between a diagnosis of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease or suicide, this does not mean that being diagnosed with prostate cancer causes cardiovascular disease," she added.
Recent research has also stated that drinking a glass of wine or two in the evening could increase the risk of people getting breast cancer. Scientists from California saw that those who drank two or more glasses of wine a day were most at risk.
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Posted by Louise Jones 
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