Patients with breast cancer after completing therapy live with fear of recurrence of disease. If there's a recurrence it is most likely to come back within the first 2 years after treatment completion. According to Dr. Rohan Khandelwal, who is the Lead Consultant & HOD - The Breast Centre, at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, "Recurrence of breast cancer would depend on the stage at which the patient has been diagnosed so, if it is a higher stage then the chances of recurrence are also higher. In stage 1 recurrence can range from 3-4%, In stage 2 it can be 7-8%, In stage 3 it can be as high as 10-12% as well and stage 4 is a disease which is already spread and In stage 4 recurrence is sooner or later bound to happen."
Reasons Why It Is Important To Prevent Recurrence Of Breast Cancer:
Breast cancer is a formidable adversary that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Preventing the recurrence of breast cancer is a matter of paramount importance, carrying profound implications for the well-being and longevity of survivors. This imperative is underpinned by several compelling reasons mentioned by Dr. Saurabh Tiwari, who is an Associate Consultant – Department of Surgical Oncology and Cancer Care, at Max Healthcare, Dehradun:
Enhanced Survival Rates: Individuals who experience a recurrence of breast cancer face a more challenging prognosis compared to those whose cancer remains in remission. By taking proactive steps to prevent recurrence, individuals can significantly improve their chances of long-term survival and a higher quality of life.
Improved Quality of Life: Breast cancer recurrence often entails further aggressive treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. These treatments can be physically and emotionally taxing, leading to a diminished quality of life. By preventing recurrence, individuals can avoid the burdensome side effects and distress associated with these interventions.
Emotional Well-Being: The psychological toll of living with the fear of cancer recurrence is significant. Anxiety, depression, and the constant worry about the return of cancer can severely impact one's emotional well-being. By actively working to prevent recurrence, individuals can experience a greater sense of control, peace of mind, and improved mental health.
Personal Empowerment: Taking steps to prevent recurrence empowers individuals to be proactive in their own healthcare. It allows them to regain a sense of control over their lives after a cancer diagnosis and fosters a positive, proactive mindset that can have far-reaching benefits in various aspects of life.
Strategies To Prevent Recurrence Of Breast Cancer:
Dr. Saurabh Tiwari also mentioned some strategies to prevent recurrence of Breast Cancer:
Hormonal Therapy:
- Importance: Hormonal therapy is critical for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of recurrence for this subtype.
- Strategy: Maintain rigorous adherence to prescribed hormonal therapy medications, such as Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight:
- Importance: Obesity, especially in postmenopausal women, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence.
- Strategy: Achieve and maintain an optimal weight through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Regular Exercise:
- Importance: Physical activity is a fundamental component of reducing recurrence risk and improving overall well-being. Exercise contributes to overall well-being and bolsters the body's defences.
- Strategy: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise weekly.
Mindful Alcohol Consumption:
- Importance: Limiting or abstaining from alcohol consumption is prudent, as it is linked to an increased risk of recurrence, necessitating moderation or abstinence.
- Strategy: If alcohol is consumed, do so in moderation, with the recommended limit being one drink per day for women.
Tobacco Cessation:
- Importance: Smoking not only increases the risk of initial breast cancer but also heightens the risk of recurrence.
- Strategy: Quit smoking immediately to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve overall health.
Stress Management:
- Importance: Stress, anxiety, and depression can negatively impact overall health and immune function.
- Strategy: Employ stress management techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or counselling to alleviate emotional distress.
Genetic Counselling and Testing:
- Importance: Understanding inherited risk factors can guide personalized prevention strategies. This assessment can provide valuable insights into inherited risk factors, enabling the development of personalized prevention strategies.
- Strategy: Consider genetic counselling and testing if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.
Embracing Support Networks:
- Importance: Participating in support groups or seeking psychological support can offer emotional solace and a wealth of information.
- Strategy: Participate in support groups and seek psychological support to bolster emotional resilience and gain valuable insights and strength to overcome mental barriers.
Keep Up With Your Health Screenings
After completing cancer treatments, patient still need to go to doctors every few months for follow-up screenings. This is required keep a close eye on any changes that may show signs that cancer has come back. 5 years after treatment completion annual follow up is required. It's important not to skip or miss any follow-ups because cancer is more likely to come back within 2 years after treatment.
Medications after Completion of therapy
After treatment completion, if patient is having a high chance of cancer recurrence, doctors may prescribe certain drugs to reduce your risk eg – Tamoxifen or Letrozole or Anastrozole in Hormone Positive Breast Cancer, Trastuzumab in HER 2 Positive Breast cancer. Be compliant with maintenance treatment coupled with regular follow up. Tamoxifen is one such drug. Doctors often prescribe this drug to lower the chances of cancer coming back in women who have been treated for early-stage, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It blocks estrogen in breast cells. Studies show it may reduce your chances of getting breast cancer again by about 40%