The purpose of this research study is to assess the significance of the calcium buildup (calcifications) we found near your heart on your radiation planning scan. 

Cancer patients can also have heart disease at the same time.  Because a lot of the treatments for cancer can also affect the heart, it is sometimes recommended by experts that patients have a cardiac evaluation before cancer treatment.  These evaluations do not always happen because of costs, and time.

Before treating cancer with radiation, most patients are required to have a CT scan that the doctor uses to plan the treatment.  The same type of CT scan may also sometimes detect calcium buildup (calcification) in the arteries around the heart, a risk factor for and sign of potential heart disease.  We think that using the radiation planning CT scan to also screen for heart disease could help our patients stay healthy after their cancer is treated.

Participating in this research study is completely voluntary.  Your treatment will be the same whether or not you decide to participate.

If you decide to participate, you will be in the research study for approximately 2 years.  There are NO extra visits for the research, Although, we will contact you by phone 6-, 12- and 18-24-months after your radiation treatment to ask you 4-5 questions regarding your heart health.

Participation in this study poses no risks to your health or safety.  There is always a small risk of a data breech when dealing with electronic data.  The study staff will do everything they can to prevent a breech and will adhere strictly to the federal, state and local regulations for data safety.

If you agree to take part in this research study, there may be a direct medical benefit to you. We hope the information learned from this research study will benefit you and other patients by bringing attention to your heart health post cancer therapy.