Breast Cancer Survivorship
“You have breast cancer.” And once you hear those words, you join the club of breast cancer survivors. There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors and those living with breast cancer in the U.S. – more than any other group of cancer survivors. Most people diagnosed with breast cancer will live for many years.
At Susan G. Komen®, we view anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer a survivor, from the time of diagnosis through the end of life. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute use similar definitions. We recognize though that not everyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer will identify with this term or see themselves as a survivor.
As a survivor, you may face unique issues and concerns during and after breast cancer treatment. You may be interested in learning more about complementary therapies or ways to cope with stress and fear of recurrence. Learning more about breast cancer survivorship topics and actions you can take may improve your quality of life during and after breast cancer.
Use these links to jump to the topics below.
Medical Care and Health Concerns
Follow-up care
After you finish treatment for breast cancer, you’ll see your oncologist and other members of your health care team on a regular basis, usually about every six months for the first few years. After that, you’ll see them every year for many years.
Follow-up care after breast cancer treatment with your oncology team may include:
- Physical exams
- Mammograms
- Bone health tests
During follow-up visits, your doctor will ask you about any symptoms or concerns you may have. If you have symptoms or concerns in between appointments, reach out to your doctor.
Late effects of treatment
Once breast cancer treatment ends, most side effects go away. However, you may have some long-term effects. New side effects may occur months or even years after treatment ends. These long-term and new side effects may be called late effects of breast cancer treatment.
Some common late effects of breast cancer treatment include (in alphabetical order):
- Bone health problems
- Changes after mastectomy
- Changes in the look and feel of the breast after lumpectomy
- Changes in the look and feel of the breast after radiation therapy
- Changes in the look and feel of the breast after reconstruction
- Early menopause
- Emotional distress and depression
- Fatigue or insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Fear of breast cancer recurrence
- Infertility
- Joint and muscle pain
- Menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes and vaginal symptoms)
- Sexuality and intimacy issues
- Weight gain
Some less common and rare late effects of breast cancer treatment include (in alphabetical order):
Breast cancer recurrence
The goal of treating early breast cancer is to remove the cancer and keep it from coming back. A return of breast cancer is a called breast cancer recurrence. Most people diagnosed with breast cancer will never have a breast cancer recurrence. However, everyone who has had breast cancer is at risk of recurrence.
Breast cancer that recurs at the original site is called a local recurrence. Breast cancer that returns and spreads to other parts of the body is called a distant recurrence (metastasis). This is metastatic breast cancer and may also be called stage 4 or advanced breast cancer.
A local recurrence is usually found on a mammogram, during a physical exam by a doctor, or when you notice a change in or around the breast or underarm. Metastasis (distant recurrence) is most often found when people report new and persistent symptoms.
These may include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Bone pain
- Seizures
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Don’t panic if you have signs or symptoms like fatigue, weight change or bone pain. These are common problems for many people. Most often, they don’t mean the breast cancer has spread. For example, bone pain may be a sign of arthritis or muscle strain. And many people have fatigue for a number of reasons.
Discuss any signs or symptoms you have (especially if they last more than 2 weeks) with your health care provider to find out the cause. It’s always OK to get a second opinion, especially if you feel your health care provider isn’t listening to your concerns.
Learn about follow-up care after breast cancer treatment.
Stress, fears and concerns
After treatment for early or locally advanced breast cancer ends, many people are afraid they still have cancer, or the cancer will come back. These fears are normal.
There are many healthy ways to cope with the stress. Complementary therapies like mindfulness meditation may help you.
For some people, talking to a counselor or joining a support group can be helpful. Your doctor may be able to help you find a counselor or support group. Learn more about support groups and other types of social support.
People who’ve had breast cancer are often concerned about their family members’ risk of breast cancer because they may be at increased risk. If you have concerns, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can help you understand your family’s risk and can refer you to a genetic counselor if needed.
Stacy Scovanner: ‘I’m Going to Keep Doing Things I Never Thought I Would Do’
Stacy Scovanner was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer called low-grade fibromatosis spindle cell carcinoma in June 2020 at 42 years old.
“I have a fear of flying, but since being diagnosed, I’ve been flying everywhere by myself. Before being diagnosed, I would have never traveled by myself ever. But now I’m going to keep doing things I never thought I would do.”
Read NowImproved Survival Through Healthy Lifestyle
Some healthy behaviors may be linked to a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence and improved survival. Other healthy behaviors have not been shown to impact breast cancer survival but are part of a lifestyle that may help protect against other cancers and other diseases.
A healthy lifestyle includes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Getting regular physical activity (exercise)
- Not smoking
Healthy body weight
After treatment for breast cancer, being overweight or obese is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer mortality (death from breast cancer). Women who are overweight or obese after a breast cancer diagnosis have worse survival than those who are lean. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Healthy diet
We don’t fully understand how diet is related to survival after breast cancer. Women who are overweight or obese after a breast cancer diagnosis have worse survival than those who are lean. People who’ve had breast cancer can benefit from the same healthy diet recommended for everyone.
Limiting alcohol
Some findings suggest drinking alcohol after a breast cancer diagnosis may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer mortality. Other studies show drinking alcohol in moderation may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and overall survival. After talking with your doctor, make informed choices about drinking alcohol.
Physical activity (exercise)
Some studies suggest being active may lower the risk of breast cancer mortality. Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health after treatment for breast cancer. It helps you maintain a healthy weight and lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Not smoking
Growing evidence suggests smoking is linked to a higher risk of recurrence and a lower chance of survival for women with breast cancer. Stopping smoking, or never starting to smoke, is one of the best things you can do for your health. Smoking is related to an increased risk of many cancers and other health conditions.
Learn more about a healthy lifestyle for people who’ve had breast cancer.
Nothing Can Stop Me From Living This Life
Amy Capello was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in April 2020.
“I am not a survivor, I am a thriver. I am living like I’m dying, even though I’m claiming a life long-lived. I didn’t go through this entire process to watch life go by with me on the sidelines or die with a list of I-wish-I-hads.”
Read NowBreast Cancer Survivorship Support Resources |
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Many people use complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and prayer, during or after their breast cancer care. Complementary therapies may relieve some side effects and improve quality of life. Learn more about complementary therapies for breast cancer survivors. Costs related to breast cancer care can quickly become a financial burden. Dealing with finances and insurance can be overwhelming. The Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline provides information about our Financial Assistance Program. Many people who work at the time of their breast cancer diagnosis continue to work during treatment or return to work soon after treatment ends. Your doctor can help you decide when (and if) you’re able to work (part-time or full-time). After treatment for breast cancer ends, you can continue to be a part of the breast cancer cause through research, community work or advocacy efforts. Getting involved can be personally rewarding and can help others. Whether you enroll in a research study, serve as an advisor or volunteer for an advocacy group, you can make a difference. Komen Facebook groups provide a place where those with a connection to breast cancer can share their experiences and build strong relationships with each other. You can request to join the Komen Breast Cancer Facebook group or Komen Metastatic Breast Cancer Facebook group. Our fact sheets, booklets and other educational resources offer additional information about breast cancer survivorship topics. |
