Emelia Benjamin Co-Authors JAMA Cardiology Editorial

Professor of Medicine Emelia Benjamin, MD, ScM, co-authored an editorial in the May 25 issue of JAMA Cardiology about a study that suggested that women with a common heart rhythm abnormality may be at an increased risk of developing cancer.

In the editorial Benjamin explained, “This provocative work raises both clinical and research questions … Clinically, should a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation prompt search for occult cancer? Several factors argue against routine screening, including the low absolute risk of cancer and the potential cost and burden of cancer screening.  Similar to the literature regarding screening in cases of unprovoked venous thromboembolism (blood clots), based on available data, cancer screening beyond standard routine heath care is currently not merited with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.”

Benjamin also serves as BUMC Assistant Provost for Faculty Development;  Director, Echocardiography/Vascular Laboratory, Framingham Heart Study; Professor of Epidemiology, BUSPH.

Read the entire JAMA Cardiology editorial.