For those diagnosed with early breast cancer (eBC), completing treatment can bring mixed emotions. While hearing “cancer free” is a relief, it may also come with worries like, “What if my cancer comes back?” The concern is valid, as more than 1 in 3 people diagnosed with stage 2 or 3 HR+, HER2- eBC are at risk of having their cancer come back within 20 years, even though most recurrences happen in the first few years after diagnosis.
While those statistics may seem daunting, don’t be discouraged. Breast cancer is one of the most studied cancers, and there are researchbacked strategies to help reduce the risk of cancer coming back.
A breast cancer diagnosis and the risk of it coming back involves a lot — facts, emotions, opinions – but there are ways to help stay prepared and take control. Let’s dive in.
Understanding Risk of Cancer Coming Back
The odds of cancer returning, known as risk of recurrence, depends on several factors, including age at diagnosis, tumor type, stage and size, lymph node involvement, gene activity, and lifestyle.
Breast cancer can return to the breast or chest wall, but it often comes back as metastatic disease, meaning it has spread to other parts of the body like bones, liver, or brain. This is why even if you’re “done” with active treatment, it’s crucial to have a long-term plan, which includes discussing adjuvant or maintenance therapy (treatments to help lower the risk of recurrence) and lifestyle changes with your doctor.
Taking Control
Knowing the factors that increase the risk of recurrence and taking action can help reduce the likelihood of cancer coming back. Healthy lifestyle choices like regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and reducing alcohol and tobacco use are key.
“Understanding your diagnosis and working closely with your healthcare team is essential for managing the risk of cancer returning and keeping up with medical advances,” shares Jean Sachs, CEO at Living Beyond Breast Cancer. “Having a strong relationship with your health care providers and sharing decision making will help ensure treatment changes are tailored to your individual needs.”
Ask questions such as:
•What is my risk of cancer coming back based on my tumor subtype, stage and nodal status?
•Which tests can help assess the risk of cancer coming back and when can we perform them?
•Based on my risk score, what maintenance therapy options are available for my risk level?
•How can I proactively minimize the risk of cancer coming back?
Taking proactive steps can also help empower you to feel more in control of your health and future.
Adjuvant Therapy and its Role in a Holistic Treatment Plan
In addition to adopting and maintaining healthy habits, adjuvant therapy can be crucial for patients with HR+, HER2- stage 2 or 3 eBC. This type of therapy, which usually involves endocrine or hormonal treatment, can help reduce the risk of cancer coming back. However, some patients might need more than just standard adjuvant therapy to manage their risk.
“Adjuvant endocrine therapy alone may not be enough to prevent early breast cancer from returning,” says Jean Sachs, CEO at Living Beyond Breast Cancer. “A holistic treatment plan often includes a combination of lifestyle changes and additional medical treatment to provide the best defense against cancer recurrence.” It’s important to work with a health care team before and after treatment to create a personalized plan tailored based on risk levels and treatment goals.
Let’s help beat the odds, together
Breast cancer care is constantly evolving with new research and treatments leading to better outcomes. Staying on top of routine screenings, understanding the risk of recurrence, making healthy lifestyle choices and following a holistic treatment plan by a health care team are essential steps after an eBC diagnosis.
For more information, visit www.UnderstandEBCRisk.com and sign up for exclusive resources to help navigate survivorship with your health care team.
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