Optimising Cardiovascular Health in Endometrial Cancer Survivors

Overview

Women successfully treated for endometrial cancer remain at higher risk of dying than women without a history of the disease, predominately due to an excess risk of cardiovascular disease. Our previous work has shown that endometrial cancer survivors are more likely to have undiagnosed and undertreated cardiovascular risk factors than the general population, despite being seen regularly by medical professionals. This study aims to determine the impact of optimising modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in endometrial cancer survivors on their quality of life and to identify barriers to lifestyle modifications.

A comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment will be performed as part of clinical care on women previously treated for endometrial cancer at the study site. This will include a focused interview, examination to determine body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, blood pressure, blood tests and a urine sample. The blood tests will screen for diabetes and non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (HbA1c), renal impairment (full blood count- FBC, urea and electrolytes- U\&E), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and contraindication to statin therapy (liver function tests- LFT), hypercholesterolaemia (total, HDL and LDL cholesterol) and hypothyroidism (thyroid function tests- TFT). Urine samples will be used to screen for renal impairment using dipstick testing for microscopic haematuria and determination of albumin: creatinine ratio (ACR). An individualised cardiovascular risk assessment will be undertaken using the QRISK3 score, which is assessed by virtue of the presence or absence of individual cardiovascular risk factors. Based on these findings, an individualised management plan will be generated and appropriate treatment for any modifiable risk factors commenced in accordance with NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and local guidelines. This will include advice and support with lifestyle modification, commencing medication if needed and referral to community or specialist clinics. This will be carried with close communication and in conjunction with the patient's general practitioner (GP). Women will be followed up over a one year period to monitor their response and compliance to treatment and the impact this has on their quality of life. The quality of life assessments will be undertaken by a member of the research team using the generic 36-Item Short Form Survey \[SF-36\] and cancer-specific Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors \[QLACS\] questionnaires. A subset of approximately twenty women, purposively sampled to include maximal variation in age, body mass index and time from diagnosis, will be selected to participate in a qualitative study of the barriers to the implementation and adherence of lifestyle interventions. Study visits will be timed to coincide with routine follow-up appointments or be carried out remotely by telephone or Zoom to minimise the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Follow-up visits will consist of a focused interview and quality of life questionnaires, with a repeat of the comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment at 12 months.