Hidden hazards in the cath lab: cancer morbidity among interventional cardiologists

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to summarize the existing evidence regarding the cancer prevalence and its types in interventional cardiologists (ICs). METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted from inception till July 13, 2025. RESULTS: Across the six cross-sectional studies (n = 1,893 ICs), 77 ICs (4.1%) reported cancer morbidity, with prevalence estimates ranging from 2% to 6%. More than 40% of ICs had occupational radiation exposure for over 15 years. Cancer types were specified in 24 ICs, with breast cancer (33.3%) and brain tumors (33.3%) being the most frequently reported, followed by skin cancer (20.8%), leukemia (8.3%), and head and neck cancer (4.2%). CONCLUSION: While causality cannot be established, these findings underscore the importance ofenhanced radiation protection strategies, systematic health surveillance, and the needfor large prospective studies to better define cancer risk in this population.