With news this year actress Shannen Doherty's breast cancer is back, many breast cancer survivors may be feeling anxiety or fear over their own risk of recurrence.
Seeing someone experience breast cancer recurrence is alarming. It is normal for a breast cancer survivor to experience some fear and sadness when they hear of somebody else's recurrent diagnosis. With this knowledge, it is normal to reflect on their own journey, treatment and risk of recurrence.
Each person's risk of recurrence is highly variable, as it depends on multiple factors like the initial diagnosis, stage of cancer and the biology of the tumor. Because these factors are so important in determining an initial treatment plan, it's vital patients receive the right diagnostic information from the beginning. This often requires multiple tests like mammography, ultrasound, biopsies, MRI exams, blood work and pathological evaluation.
Even though the risk of a cancer recurrence can depend on factors out of your control, patients and survivors can reduce their chances of cancer coming back by following their doctor's recommendations and focusing on overall wellness.
Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is important. Patients should put their needs first and prioritize their appointments. This is especially important when often times breast cancer patients are mothers, daughters, friends and caretakers who are often taking care of others.
At the top of the wellness list: exercise and a balanced diet.
Maintaining a healthy weight is helpful in managing the demands and strain treatment can have on a patient's body. By focusing on a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables balanced with lean proteins, patients will fuel their bodies to better respond to treatment. Maintaining an exercise routine, even if it's just walking when a patient feels well and strong enough, is also an important tool in maintaining a healthy weight. Patients who smoke are highly encouraged to quit, and all patients should do their best to manage stress.
Help and support from loved ones can also improve a patient's recovery from cancer. The support of family and friends during a cancer journey is important.
Learning to listen and simply being present can be so helpful in supporting someone who is learning about their diagnosis or going through active treatment. Sometimes it helps to be present during appointments to help with learning information or taking notes. Listening allows somebody to explain their specific situation and processing their experience verbally can be therapeutic.
It's also helpful to talk about topics outside of their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Talking about something outside of a diagnosis helps patients focus on the fact other parts of their life can still be enjoyable.
While there are no guarantees cancer won't come back, doctors are encouraged by seeing lower recurrence rates.
At the SSM Health Cancer Center at JCMG, we have a fantastic team of surgeons, a medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist who work diligently together to decrease the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Curious about your risk for breast cancer? Take our Breast Cancer Risk Assessment at ssmhealth.com and discuss your results and family history with your primary care provider.
Joanna Younker, DO, is a board-certified family medicine physician at SSM Health Medical Group, 2511 W. Edgewood, in Jefferson City. For an appointment, call 573-761-0458.