ABOUT BREAST CANCER
Breast Cancer Survivorship

Breast Cancer Survivorship Topics

If you’ve heard the words, “You have breast cancer,” you aren’t alone. 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 as a survivor, from the time of diagnosis through the end of life. The National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Survivorship and the American Cancer Society use similar definitions. We recognize that not everyone who’s been diagnosed with breast cancer will identify with this term or see themselves as a survivor.

This section covers topics related to the emotional and physical health, quality of life and care of survivors. 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 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. 

Follow-up care after breast cancer treatment with your oncology team may include: 

  • Physical exams 
  • Screening mammograms 
  • Bone health tests 

During follow-up visits, your doctor will ask you about any signs, 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.

Possible 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 called a breast cancer recurrence. Most people diagnosed with breast cancer will never have a breast cancer recurrence. However, everyone who’s 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 screening mammogram, during a physical exam by a doctor, or when you notice a change in or around the breast or underarm. Metastasis 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 two weeks) with your doctor to find out the cause.

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 are afraid 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.


Healthy Lifestyle and Breast Cancer Survival

Some healthy behaviors may be linked to a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence and improved survival. Others are part of a healthy lifestyle and may be linked to a lower risk of different cancers and other diseases.

A healthy lifestyle includes:

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) and overall mortality (death from any cause). Women who are overweight or obese after a breast cancer diagnosis have worse survival than those who are lean. Reaching and 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. There’s no specific type of diet or nutrient proven to be linked to breast cancer survival. However, 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 decreased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and overall mortality. After talking with your doctor, make informed choices about drinking alcohol.

Physical activity (exercise)
Many studies suggest being active is linked to a decreased risk of breast cancer mortality and overall 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 is linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Not smoking
Growing evidence suggests smoking is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence, breast cancer mortality and overall mortality. 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.

Susan G. Komen® Breast Cancer Survivorship Support Resources

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.

Komen Patient Navigators can help guide you through the health care system as you go through a breast cancer diagnosis and survivorship. They can help to remove barriers to high-quality breast care. For example, they can help you with insurance, local resources, communication with health care providers and more. Call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org to learn more about our Patient Navigator program, including eligibility.

Costs related to breast cancer care can quickly become a financial burden. Dealing with finances and insurance can be overwhelming. The 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 Group or Komen Metastatic Breast Cancer (Stage IV) Group.

Our fact sheets, booklets and other educational resources offer additional information about breast cancer survivorship topics.

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