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New Approach To Help Cancer Patients Deal With Radiation Side-Effects

ANN ARBOR (WWJ) - University of Michigan doctors are taking a new approach help cancer patients deal with a serious treatment side effect.

Radiation to the chest can damage the heart's valves and the protective sac around the heart.

Now U of M cardiac and cancer specialists are working to address the impact of cancer treatment on the heart.

Cardiologist Monica Leja and her colleagues are also looking for ways to protect older patients with pre-existing heart disease.

"We'd rather see these side effects than not see them," "But that's like one of the issues that comes hand-in-hand with that. So in a way yes, we are seeing more toxicity but in a way - it's a good thing."

We've got more information about U of M's new cardio-oncology clinic HERE.

To make an appointment at the cardio-oncology clinic, call or email the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center New Patient Coordination Center at 888-287-1082.

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