Preparing the Cardiovascular Work Force for the Care of Oncology Patients

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two main causes of death in the United States. They intersect on multiple levels, sharing common causal mechanisms and epidemiologic risk factors. The growing prevalence and complexity of cardiovascular disease and cancer have resulted in the development of the discipline of cardio-oncology. Preparing the cardiovascular workforce for the care of a growing population of cancer patients is necessary to enhance the delivery of high-quality cardiovascular care for patients with cancer. The goal of this Council Perspective is to present the dedicated efforts of the cardio-oncology community to meet the growing need for education and training of cardiovascular practitioners providing care to cancer patients and survivors. Integration in general cardiology training programs and the efforts of the stakeholder organizations serve as an example of how a multi-dimensional, innovative approach can address provider education and training needs in a relatively new discipline. Cardiovascular disease and cancer intersect on many levels, and Cardio-oncology is an emerging discipline focused on the prevention, early detection and optimal treatment of CV disease in patients treated for cancer. A growing number of centers in the United States are providing opportunities to train in cardio-oncology; which requires a broad but specialized knowledge of CV disease in conjunction with a deep understanding of cancer therapies. The growth and success of the discipline in advancing the care of cancer patients is inherently dependent on the close collaboration with Oncologists, a robust research enterprise, and the support of professional societies and advocacy groups.