Authors of a study published in the scientific journal “Cancer” analyzed data from 182,221 Israeli residents over the age of 40. All participants were diagnosed with invasive cancer for the first time between 2014 and 2021. Their average age was 67 years, and slightly more than half were women, writes “Everyday Health”.
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It turned out that during the first year after the cancer diagnosis, patients experienced ischemic stroke about 80% more often than would be expected based on general population data.
The highest risk was recorded during the first three months – at that time, the frequency of strokes was 2.5 times higher.
Two types of cancer stood out the most
The risk varied depending on the oncological disease. During the first year after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, the frequency of ischemic stroke was 5.9 times higher, and after a lung cancer diagnosis – 3.9 times higher than in the general population.
Increased risk was also found in bladder, stomach, and liver cancer, myeloid leukemia, and malignant tumors of the brain and nervous system.
Meanwhile, breast and prostate cancer were not associated with a statistically increased risk of stroke. According to researchers, one possible reason is that these diseases are often detected at earlier stages.
This was also confirmed by the analysis of disease spread. Patients whose cancer had not yet spread to other organs had a 1.2 times higher risk of stroke, while those with metastatic cancer had a 2.8 times higher risk.
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Why might cancer be related to stroke?
The study was not designed to determine causes, but scientists offer several possible explanations. Cancer can enhance inflammatory processes and increase blood clotting. A clot formed can block an artery supplying blood to the brain and cause an ischemic stroke.
Blood clotting can be especially affected by pancreatic and lung tumors. In advanced disease, there are also more tumor cells in the body that can release substances promoting clot formation.
However, scientists could not distinguish how much the risk was increased by the cancer itself, and how much by the treatment applied, medications used, or previously existing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the study shows an association but does not prove that a cancer diagnosis directly causes stroke.
What symptoms should not be ignored?
According to researchers, the first months after diagnosis are a period when stroke symptoms should be given special attention. Immediate action is necessary if suddenly:
- one side of the face droops or becomes numb;
- one arm or leg weakens or becomes numb;
- it becomes difficult to speak or understand others;
- vision is disturbed;
- balance or coordination is lost;
- an unusually severe headache begins.
If these symptoms are noticed, it is essential to call 112 immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance to reduce brain damage and save a person’s life.
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