Cardiovascular Disease Incidence and Cardiovascular Health Among Diverse Women With Breast and Gynecologic Cancers

Objectives: To examine if racial differences in cardiovascular health (CVH) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities among women with breast and gynecologic cancers.

Sample & Setting: The sample consisted of 252 Black women and 93 White women without a self-reported history of cancer or CVD who developed a breast or gynecologic malignancy. Women who developed CVD before their cancer diagnosis were excluded.

Methods & Variables: CVH was classified using metrics of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 framework. Metrics were summed to create a total CVH score (0–7). Associations among race, ideal CVH (score of 5–7), and CVD incidence following cancer diagnosis were estimated with Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: Ideal CVH was similar between Black women (33%) and White women (37%). Race and CVH were not associated with CVD incidence.

Implications for Nursing: In a small sample of women diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers, racial disparities in CVH and CVD incidence were not observed. Additional investigation of potential confounders relating to social determinants of health tied to the construct of race is warranted.