You may have rung the proverbial bell that announces the end of chemo or completed rounds of radiotherapy. You’re now declared “cancer free.” It’s normal to feel mixed emotions and have questions.
For many people with early breast cancer (eBC), remission doesn’t mean everything goes back to normal. There are scars from several surgeries, side effects from initial treatments, and the question: “What if it comes back?” This concern is valid, as 1 out of 3 people diagnosed stage 2 or 3 HR+, HER2- eBC will see their cancer come back within 20 years.
These statistics may seem daunting, but don’t be discouraged. Breast cancer is one of the most studied cancers, with research-backed strategies to help reduce recurrence risk. The more we know, the more we can do to help beat the odds.
Kristin Juszczyk
Founder, Designs by Kristin
The emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis can be profound. Kristin Juszczyk, NFL- wife turned fashion designer, shares her personal experience with the disease: “As a daughter of someone who experienced the devastating impact of breast cancer and witnessed recurrence first-hand, I feel inspired to help spread the word,” Juszczyk reflected. “I was so young when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. What’s missing from the conversation is knowing that for many people, cancer does come back, as was the case for my mom. So, I’m passionate about educating others and encouraging everyone to have these tough conversations.”
Understanding the risk of cancer coming back
The odds of cancer returning, known as risk of recurrence, depends on several factors, including tumor type, stage, and size; lymph node involvement; gene activity; age at diagnosis; and lifestyle.
While there are many factors at play, certain tests can help your care team understand your risk by scoring it.
“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,” said Jean Sachs, CEO at Living Beyond Breast Cancer. “Having a strong relationship with your healthcare providers and sharing decision-making will help ensure treatment changes are tailored to your individual needs.”
Taking control
Knowing the factors that increase the risk of recurrence and taking action can not only help you beat the odds of recurrence, but also give you a sense of empowerment. Healthy lifestyle choices like regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and reducing alcohol and tobacco use are key.
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 the 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.
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 stage 2 or 3 HR+, HER2- 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.
It’s important to work with your healthcare team before and after treatment to create a personalized plan tailored to your 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 healthcare team are essential steps after an eBC diagnosis.
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