Patient needs and self-care in cardio-oncology: questionnaire-based survey.

OBJECTIVES: Cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) increasingly coexist, yet patient perspectives on self-care in cardio-oncology remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify concerns and self-care needs among patients with concurrent cancer and CVD. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of patients with cancer and CVD at Keio University Hospital from August 2024 to August 2025. Participants allocated 100 points between cancer- and CVD-related concerns and ranked five self-care domains (symptom management, medication, diet, social services and anxiety). Self-care interests were scored and evaluated according to cancer treatment status (active vs completed) and age (<70 vs ≥70 years). RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included (median age 72 years, 47% male); 42% were receiving active cancer treatment. Overall, cancer was prioritised over CVD (median 60 vs 40 points). Actively treated patients placed greater emphasis on cancer than completed-treatment patients (80 vs 50 points, p<0.001). Among five domains, symptom management and medication received greater attention in the active versus completed group (p=0.016 and p=0.047, respectively). Older age was independently associated with lower total self-care interests in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Oncologic concerns outweigh cardiovascular priorities, particularly during active cancer treatment, with age further limiting self-care engagement. Phase- and age-sensitive self-care programmes are needed in cardio-oncology.