Understanding The Link Between Prostate Cancer And Heart Disease

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American, behind only lung cancer. It typically affects man after the age of 50.  The good news is that it is often highly treatable, especially when found early.

What many people don’t realize is that prostate cancer and heart disease are closely connected. This connection comes from:

• Shared risk factors (like age, diet, and weight)
• Effects of cancer treatments (especially hormone therapy)
• Changes in metabolism and cholesterol levels

Taking care of your heart is an important part of treating prostate cancer. Franciscan Health cardiologist David Stewart, MD, explains the association between prostate cancer and heart risk.  

Key Takeaways: Prostate Cancer & Your Heart

• Early detection of prostate cancer saves lives. Screening with a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam helps find prostate cancer early.
• Heart health and cancer outcomes are linked. Healthy lifestyle choices can improve both heart health and prostate cancer outcomes.
• Exercise, diet and weight matter. Staying active, eating well, and maintaining a healthy weight can lower risks.
• Some prostate cancer treatments can affect the heart. This is especially true for hormone therapy.

The Connection Between Prostate Cancer And Heart Disease

“Prostate cancer and heart health are often related by common risk factors, treatment side effects, and overall lifestyle choices,” said Dr. Stewart.  “Studies show that men with prostate cancer can have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, often because of treatments like hormone therapy that can affect heart health.”

Prostate cancer and heart disease often occur together because they share common risk factors such as:

• Aging
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Low physical activity

In addition, some prostate cancer treatments, particularly androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), can:

• Increase cholesterol levels
• Raise blood sugar
• Promote weight gain (especially abdominal fat)
• Increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes

Because of this, doctors increasingly focus on treating prostate cancer and heart disease together, not separately.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Your doctor may recommend prostate cancer screening based on your age and risk factors. Common tests to screen for prostate cancer include:

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test: Measures a protein made by the prostate. Higher levels may need further evaluation.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A quick exam to feel for abnormalities in the prostate.
• If results are unclear, additional screening tests can include:
  • MRI: helps visualize suspicious areas 
  • Ultrasound: imaging using sound waves
  • Biopsy: confirms whether cancer is present by removing a small tissue sample from the prostate

Read more about prostate cancer screening and diagnosis.

Prostate Cancer Treatments

Prostate cancer treatment depends on how aggressive the cancer is and your overall health.

Options may include:

• Active surveillance (watchful waiting) for low-risk cancer
• Surgery to remove the prostate
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy (ADT)
• Chemotherapy or immunotherapy (in advanced cases)
• Ablation therapies (using heat or cold to destroy cancer cells)

Read more about prostate cancer treatment options.

Understanding Hormone Therapy (ADT)

Hormone therapy lowers testosterone levels to slow cancer growth. It is very effective, but ADT hormone therapy can affect your heart.

“Men who have heart disease may need a more individualized treatment plan, because some prostate cancer treatments can place additional strain on the heart,” said Dr. Stewart.   “Androgen deprivation therapy – or ADT – is a common used hormone therapy for prostate cancer.”

Research has indeed shown a consistent association between ADT and heart health risk.  This has led to recommendations to monitor men with prostate cancer for heart conditions including coronary artery disease (heart blockage) and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Potential effects of men's hormone therapy on heart health:

• Increased cholesterol
• Higher blood pressure
• Increased risk of diabetes
• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

Some newer therapies (like GnRH antagonists) may have lower cardiovascular risk compared to previous options.

Protecting Your Heart During Prostate Cancer Treatment

If you are receiving prostate cancer treatment—especially hormone therapy—protecting your heart is essential.

What you can do:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats)
• Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week if able)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
• Avoid smoking
• Limit alcohol

What your doctor may do:

• Monitor cholesterol and glucose levels
• Track blood pressure
• Screen for cardiovascular disease
• Coordinate care with a cardiologist if needed

The Bottom Line

Prostate cancer and heart disease are closely linked—but that also means you can take steps to improve both.

By combining early screening, appropriate cancer treatment and a strong focus on heart health, you can significantly improve your long-term outcomes.