A trial has found that most breast cancer survivors whose treatment weakened their hearts may not need to stay on protective heart medication for life, a discovery experts have called "hugely encouraging" for thousands of patients. Certain breast cancer therapies can damage heart function, meaning patients are often advised to remain on heart drugs indefinitely, even after recovery, due to fears their condition could decline if they stop. The findings offer hope that many survivors could eventually be freed from lifelong medication under proper medical supervision.

The British Heart Foundation-funded study, led by Professor Charlotte Manisty of University College London and published in the Heart Journal, followed 90 women at four hospitals whose heart function had recovered following breast cancer treatment. Among those who stopped taking medication, 98 per cent showed no change in heart function after a year, with only one woman developing a pumping-related heart problem; participants also reported improved quality of life. One trial participant, 39-year-old Lucy Shepherd, said coming off heart medication had helped her feel stronger and regain trust in her body, though researchers stress the women will be monitored for five years and that further research is needed before the approach becomes standard practice.