Long-Term Recovery from Breast Cancer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Sarah Lewis, PharmD on January 25, 2020
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7 ways to reduce your risk of recurrence.Breast cancer recurrence is a common worry for survivors. It’s normal, and there are counselors and support groups to help women deal with these fears. It’s important to realize that there is no way to guarantee cancer won’t return. Women may think they’ve done something wrong if cancer recurs, but it just isn’t the case. The good news is women can take steps to keep themselves healthy and possibly reduce their risk of recurrence.
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1. Consider hormone receptor therapy.If your breast cancer was hormone receptor-positive, your doctor may recommend continuing therapy. In fact, recent research suggests that women who take tamoxifen (Nolvadex) for 10 years or longer after initial treatment have better outcomes than women who only take it for five years. The 10-year group had a 25% lower risk of recurrence and a 30% lower risk of death.
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2. Maintain a healthy weight.Researchers have found that women who gain weight after their breast cancer diagnosis were more likely to have a recurrence. So maintaining a healthy body weight is not only good for your general health, but it may reduce your risk of recurrence as well. Your healthy or ideal body weight depends on your age and your height. Talk to your doctor about your target weight and how to safely reach it.
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3. Eat a healthy diet.Research has not linked any specific foods to breast cancer risk. However, eating a low-fat diet may help prevent first-time and recurrent breast cancer. There is information suggesting that a low-fat diet decreases blood estrogen levels, which may reduce recurrence risk in some women. Besides, eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and calories is good for you and can help you maintain a healthy weight.
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4. Amp up your physical activity.Being physically active goes hand-in-hand with a healthy diet to help you maintain a healthy weight. But exercise has other benefits for breast cancer survivors. It helps relieve stress and may reduce breast cancer recurrence risk. In fact, research suggests that getting just 30 minutes of brisk walking several times a week improves survival.
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5. Limit your alcoholic drinks.Several studies have linked moderate to heavy drinking with breast cancer risk. Alcohol increases blood estrogen levels and decreases folic acid levels. Low folic acid levels can interfere with DNA copying and repair, potentially increasing the risk of cancerous DNA changes. Women should limit alcoholic drinks to one per day to help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
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6. Check your vitamin D level.Ask your doctor about checking your vitamin D levels. Several studies have found a relationship between low levels of vitamin D and breast cancer risk. Talk to your doctor about adding a vitamin D supplement if your levels are low. While it may or may not help reduce your risk of recurrence, it will help maintain your bone health.
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7. Continue with breast cancer screenings.A local recurrence—cancer in the same breast—usually shows up on a mammogram or during a physical exam. So it’s important to keep getting breast cancer screening exams as your doctor recommends. Make sure your current radiologist has access to your previous mammograms for comparison. A personal history of breast cancer puts you in a high-risk category. Talk to your doctor about what screening exams you need in addition to a yearly mammogram.
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Give yourself the best chance possible.Continuing hormone receptor therapy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and getting screening exams are ways to help reduce your risk of breast cancer recurrence. While there is no way to guarantee it won’t return, these strategies can give you the best chance possible to prevent it. Some women who follow all the recommendations will find their cancer returns. Keeping up with regular medical care offers the best chance of catching a recurrence early, in more treatable stages.
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Long-Term Recovery from Breast Cancer