Heart cancer is a rare condition. Cancer typically occurs in parts of the body made of cells that divide regularly, and the heart is mainly made up of non-dividing muscle. Heart cancer does exist, though and it has a number of risk factors.
Family History
If members of your family have had heart cancer, then you have a higher risk of developing heart cancer at some point. You can get periodic testing, such as echocardiograms, to check for abnormal masses.
Tobacco
Smoking greatly increases the risk of all forms of cancer, not just lung cancer. The carcinogens in cigarette smoke are toxic to the entire body and can put your heart at risk.
Chemicals
Certain chemical compounds can increase the risk of heart cancer. Your risk generally doesn't go up unless you ingest these chemicals regularly; you are at risk if you work every day with asbestos, benzene or nickel.
Hormones
Some women who use hormone replacement therapies as treatment for menopause, thyroid issues or other conditions may be at a higher risk of heart cancer.
Unhealthy Habits
If you don't eat right, don't get enough physical activity each day and don't watch your stress levels or sleep habits, you are at a higher risk of heart cancer. Diets high in fat and cholesterol may contribute to heart cancer (as well as other cancers), and people who are overweight because of poor eating habits are also at a higher risk.
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