Dr YT Singh (Trishun), a cardiologist based in Umhlanga, has a special interest in cardio-oncology, a relatively new field in sub-Saharan Africa. He explains how cancer therapy can affect the cardiovascular system and how this impact can be managed.
With 36 years of experience in specialist cardiology practice, Dr Singh is no stranger to the world of healthcare. After spending many years as an interventional cardiologist, he took an interest in cardio-oncology, a relatively new, but growing field. He was drawn to the specialisation after attending cardio-oncology lectures at a conference abroad and realised that dealing with cancer patients with cardiac problems required specialised knowledge. “I set out to gain that knowledge in order to be able to give my patients the best care possible,” he explains. In 2020, he passed the board-certified International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS) examination in the United States, and is now the president of the Cardio-Oncology Society of Southern Africa (COSOSA).
UNDERSTANDING CARDIO-ONCOLOGY
As cancer therapies become more advanced and effective, it has been observed that some treatments, while combating cancer, can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. This is where cardio-oncology steps in, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care that balances cancer treatment with heart health.
“Cancer therapy – whether chemotherapy or radiation – can have a profound effect on the cardiovascular system,” explains Dr Singh. “Patients may survive cancer, only to succumb to cardiac events when cardiovascular problems and risk factors are not identified and managed early. Cardio-oncology can mitigate against that damage.”
The primary goal of cardio-oncology is to prevent, monitor, and treat cardiovascular complications that may arise during and after cancer treatment. This is particularly important for patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies known to potentially harm the heart. By collaborating closely with oncologists, haematologists and gynae oncologists, Dr Singh can help tailor treatments that minimise risks to the heart while still effectively fighting the cancer.
Cardiology is a rapidly changing field, and a partnership enables our partners to attend conferences and courses without compromising the continuity of patient care
THE POWER OF COLLABORATION
Dr Singh heads up Netcare Umhlanga Hospital’s only cardiology practice, working alongside Drs Connel Barnabas, Aveen Mahabal and Deya Ramachandran. He is committed to the concept of a partnership practice as he feels it benefits patient care considerably. “Cardiology is a rapidly changing field, and a partnership enables our partners to attend conferences and courses without compromising the continuity of patient care,” he explains.
REWARDING WORK
Although his work is not without its challenges, Dr Singh finds it deeply rewarding. “I now have the satisfaction of seeing cancer patients living longer because of specialised cardio-oncology treatment,” he says. One of the biggest challenges he faces is spreading this knowledge to as many healthcare professionals treating cancer as possible. He recommends that cancer patients see a cardio-oncologist before, during and after treatment. “The earlier heart problems are identified, the more likely it is that irreversible damage to the heart can be avoided,” he explains.
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