2026-05-11
Could heart health also influence cancer risk?
Cardiology and Vascular Medicine
By Elodie Vaz | Published on May 11,
2026 | 4 min read
Cardio-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM) refers to the coexistence of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. Long studied primarily through the lens of cardiovascular risk, this syndrome is now increasingly recognized as a systemic condition affecting multiple organs throughout the body. It is already well established that CKM significantly increases the risk of mortality and disability related to heart disease and stroke. However, its consequences extend far beyond the cardiovascular system, with documented links to kidney failure, dementia, fatty liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.
According to data from the American Heart Association, nearly 90% of American adults exhibit at least one factor within the CKM spectrum, such as hypertension, lipid abnormalities, hyperglycemia, excess weight, or impaired kidney function.
In this context, a study published on April 27 in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes investigated a question that has received little attention so far: the association between CKM syndrome and cancer risk. More specifically, the researchers sought to determine whether progression of the syndrome—classified into different stages of severity—could be correlated with an increased oncological risk.
As Professor Hidehiro Kaneko, the study’s lead author, explained in a press release: “The findings of the study suggest that it is important to consider not only the risk of cardiovascular disease but also the risk of cancer in people with CKM syndrome.”
To reach these conclusions, the University of Tokyo research team analyzed national healthcare reimbursement data from nearly 1.4 million individuals. Each participant was categorized according to American Heart Association recommendations, which define five stages of CKM syndrome, ranging from stage 0 (absence of risk factors) to stage 4 (established cardiovascular disease).
Participants were then followed for a median duration of approximately 3.5 years in order to identify the occurrence of new cancer diagnoses. This longitudinal approach enabled researchers to closely evaluate how cancer risk evolved alongside syndrome progression.
The results revealed a significant increase in cancer risk as CKM syndrome progressed, although the rise remained relatively modest during the early stages. Compared with individuals without risk factors (stage 0), the risk of developing cancer increased by:
According to Professor Hidehiro Kaneko, “CKM syndrome represents a complex interaction between the cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic systems, in which dysfunction in one domain can trigger or worsen dysfunction in another.” He added: “Dysfunction in each of these systems is independently associated with cancer risk due to shared risk factors. This study suggests that the accumulation of risk factors within CKM syndrome may contribute to the development of various types of cancer.”
These findings align with a broader understanding of the interactions between chronic diseases. As Professor Tochukwu Okwuosa noted: “The study highlights this bidirectional relationship and underscores the concept of reverse cardio-oncology, whereby cardiovascular disease and its risk factors also increase cancer risk.”
This perspective opens new possibilities for prevention and screening. CKM syndrome classification could become a valuable clinical tool for identifying high-risk patients and guiding oncological surveillance strategies.
The study nevertheless presents certain limitations, particularly its focus on a Japanese population, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings. However, consistency with previous research suggests that similar associations may be observed in other populations. Looking ahead, a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms—such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation—could help pave the way for targeted therapeutic approaches at the intersection of cardiology, nephrology, and oncology.
Read next: Loneliness: an emerging factor in degenerative valvular heart disease
About the Author – Elodie Vaz
Health journalist, CFPJ graduate (2023).
Élodie explores the marks diseases leave on bodies and, more broadly, on human life. A registered nurse since 2010, she spent twelve years at patients’ bedsides before exchanging her stethoscope for a notebook. She now investigates the links between environment and health, convinced that the vitality of life cannot be reduced to that of humans
Cardio-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM) refers to the coexistence of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. Long studied primarily through the lens of cardiovascular risk, this syndrome is now increasingly recognized as a systemic condition affecting multiple organs throughout the body. It is already well established that CKM significantly increases the risk of mortality and disability related to heart disease and stroke. However, its consequences extend far beyond the cardiovascular system, with documented links to kidney failure, dementia, fatty liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.
According to data from the American Heart Association, nearly 90% of American adults exhibit at least one factor within the CKM spectrum, such as hypertension, lipid abnormalities, hyperglycemia, excess weight, or impaired kidney function.
Exploring the link between CKM and cancer
In this context, a study published on April 27 in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes investigated a question that has received little attention so far: the association between CKM syndrome and cancer risk. More specifically, the researchers sought to determine whether progression of the syndrome—classified into different stages of severity—could be correlated with an increased oncological risk.
As Professor Hidehiro Kaneko, the study’s lead author, explained in a press release: “The findings of the study suggest that it is important to consider not only the risk of cardiovascular disease but also the risk of cancer in people with CKM syndrome.”
To reach these conclusions, the University of Tokyo research team analyzed national healthcare reimbursement data from nearly 1.4 million individuals. Each participant was categorized according to American Heart Association recommendations, which define five stages of CKM syndrome, ranging from stage 0 (absence of risk factors) to stage 4 (established cardiovascular disease).
Participants were then followed for a median duration of approximately 3.5 years in order to identify the occurrence of new cancer diagnoses. This longitudinal approach enabled researchers to closely evaluate how cancer risk evolved alongside syndrome progression.
A marked increase in advanced stages
The results revealed a significant increase in cancer risk as CKM syndrome progressed, although the rise remained relatively modest during the early stages. Compared with individuals without risk factors (stage 0), the risk of developing cancer increased by:
- 3% at stage 1
- 2% at stage 2
- 25% at stage 3
- 30% at stage 4
According to Professor Hidehiro Kaneko, “CKM syndrome represents a complex interaction between the cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic systems, in which dysfunction in one domain can trigger or worsen dysfunction in another.” He added: “Dysfunction in each of these systems is independently associated with cancer risk due to shared risk factors. This study suggests that the accumulation of risk factors within CKM syndrome may contribute to the development of various types of cancer.”
Toward an integrated cardio-oncology approach
These findings align with a broader understanding of the interactions between chronic diseases. As Professor Tochukwu Okwuosa noted: “The study highlights this bidirectional relationship and underscores the concept of reverse cardio-oncology, whereby cardiovascular disease and its risk factors also increase cancer risk.”
This perspective opens new possibilities for prevention and screening. CKM syndrome classification could become a valuable clinical tool for identifying high-risk patients and guiding oncological surveillance strategies.
The study nevertheless presents certain limitations, particularly its focus on a Japanese population, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings. However, consistency with previous research suggests that similar associations may be observed in other populations. Looking ahead, a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms—such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation—could help pave the way for targeted therapeutic approaches at the intersection of cardiology, nephrology, and oncology.
Read next: Loneliness: an emerging factor in degenerative valvular heart disease
About the Author – Elodie Vaz
Health journalist, CFPJ graduate (2023).
Élodie explores the marks diseases leave on bodies and, more broadly, on human life. A registered nurse since 2010, she spent twelve years at patients’ bedsides before exchanging her stethoscope for a notebook. She now investigates the links between environment and health, convinced that the vitality of life cannot be reduced to that of humans
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