Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology practical recommendations for surveillance and prevention of cardiac disease in childhood cancer survivors: the importance of physical activity and lifestyle changes From the Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology Working Group Sports Cardiology, Physical Activity and Prevention, Working Group Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Working Group Imaging and Working Group Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, presenting as the main causes of morbidity and mortality within this group. Besides the usual primary and secondary prevention in combination with screening during follow-up, the modifiable lifestyle factors of physical activity, nutrition, and body weight have not yet gained enough attention regarding potential cardiovascular risk reduction. Objective: These practical recommendations aim to provide summarised information and practical implications to paediatricians and health professionals treating childhood cancer survivors to reduce the risk of cardiovascular late effects. Methods: The content derives from either published guidelines or expert opinions from Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology working groups and is in accordance with current state-of-the-art. Results: All usual methods of prevention and screening regarding the risk, monitoring, and treatment of occurring cardiovascular diseases are summarised. Additionally, modifiable lifestyle factors are explained, and clear practical implications are named. Conclusion: Modifiable lifestyle factors should definitely be considered as a cost-effective and complementary approach to already implemented follow-up care programs in cardio-oncology, which can be actively addressed by the survivors themselves. However, treating physicians are strongly encouraged to support survivors to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity as one of the major influencing factors. This article summarises relevant background information and provides specific practical recommendations on how to advise survivors to increase their level of physical activity.