"There could be something going wrong and I wouldn’t even know": A qualitative study of perceptions of people with cancer about CVD risk and its management.

Purpose Despite being at higher risk, many people with cancer do not receive adequate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment or management. The purpose of this research was to examine people with cancer’s perceptions, experiences and needs regarding CVD risk factor awareness, assessment and management. Methods We conducted 14 individual interviews to examine people with cancer’s perspectives regarding CVD care in cancer. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilized to collect and organize data into themes and to synthesise findings. Results Fourteen people (6 males) diagnosed with diverse cancer types participated. Majority participants were not, or only somewhat aware of CVD risk in cancer but all expressed it was an important issue. A diverse range of priorities and needs for CVD care were discussed, including some participants’ prioritization of dealing with cancer, and preferred amount, type and manner of information provision and support. Websites and brochures were identified as potential solutions for optimizing CVD care. Conclusions Codesign methodology should be used to engage patients in the development of flexible, tailored resources to increase awareness of CVD risk and strategies for its management. Implications for cancer survivors: Perceptions of people with cancer regarding CVD care can inform new interventions that reduce the impact of CVD in cancer.