Breast Cancer Survivor

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast. It is one of the most common forms of cancer, primarily affecting women but also occurring in men, albeit less frequently.

Many individuals with breast cancer become survivors after completing their primary treatment. Survivorship involves ongoing monitoring of one's health, managing side effects, and addressing physical and emotional well-being.

What is a Breast Cancer Survivor?

A breast cancer survivor is an individual who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, undergone treatment and is currently living beyond their cancer diagnosis. The term "survivor" is often used to describe someone who has completed their primary treatment for breast cancer, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Breast cancer survivors come from diverse backgrounds and age groups and may have varying experiences with the disease. Some may have been diagnosed early and had a relatively straightforward treatment journey, while others may have faced more advanced stages of breast cancer and more complex treatments.

Breast Cancer Survivorship Journey

Breast cancer survivorship refers to the phase of a person's life after they have completed their primary breast cancer treatment and are in remission or considered cancer-free. This period can span many years and is a unique and complex journey for each individual. Here are some key aspects of breast cancer survivorship:

Physical Health Monitoring

After treatment, survivors continue to have regular check-ups with their healthcare team. These appointments involve physical examinations, imaging tests (such as mammograms), and blood tests to monitor for any signs of recurrence or late effects from treatment.

Lifestyle and Wellness

Survivors focus on regaining physical health through exercise, nutrition, and rehabilitation. They may also manage post-treatment side effects, such as fatigue, pain, and lymphedema.

Physical Activity: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to improve overall health and boost energy levels.
Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support your recovery and well-being.
Stress Management: Practise stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to maintain emotional and physical balance.
Regular Check-ups: Continue to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare team to monitor your health and catch any potential issues early.

Psychological and Emotional Support

Coping with the emotional aftermath of breast cancer is a significant aspect of survivorship. Many survivors experience fear, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.

Psychological Support: Consider seeking therapy or counselling from mental health professionals experienced in cancer survivorship.
Support Groups: Join breast cancer survivor support groups in person or online to connect with others who have had similar experiences.
Self-Care: Prioritise self-care activities that promote emotional well-being, such as mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques.
Talk to Loved Ones: Engage in open and honest conversations with friends and family about your emotional needs and concerns.
Professional Help: If you experience severe emotional distress, do not hesitate to seek help from a psychiatrist or psychologist specialising in cancer-related mental health issues.

Long-Term Side Effects

Some survivors may experience long-term or late effects of breast cancer treatment, which can include fatigue, lymphedema (swelling in the arm or chest), cognitive changes ("chemo brain"), heart problems, bone health issues, and more. Managing these side effects is an important part of survivorship care.

Report Side Effects: Promptly communicate any new or persistent side effects to your doctor. They can provide guidance and interventions to manage them.
Rehabilitation Services: If you experience physical limitations or lymphedema, consider seeking rehabilitation services or specialised clinics to help improve your quality of life.
Psychosocial Support: Counseling or support groups can help you cope with emotional and psychological late effects such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Fatigue Management: Address cancer-related fatigue through strategies like exercise, pacing activities, and proper sleep hygiene.

Survivorship Care Plans

Many doctors create survivorship care plans for breast cancer survivors. These plans outline the individual's treatment history, recommended follow-up schedule, and guidelines for maintaining overall health. They also provide information on potential late effects and strategies for managing them.

Creating a Survivorship Care Plan

Consult Your Healthcare Team: Discuss creating a survivorship care plan with your doctor. This plan should summarise your diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up recommendations.
Medical History: Ensure that your care plan includes a detailed medical history, including the types of treatments you received and any side effects experienced.
Follow-up Schedule: Your care plan should outline the recommended schedule for follow-up appointments, screenings, and tests.
Wellness and Lifestyle Recommendations: The plan may include recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing potential side effects, and addressing emotional well-being.
Access to Support Services: Identify any support services or resources available as part of your survivorship care plan.

Body Image and Intimacy

Changes in body image, including breast reconstruction or mastectomy scars, can impact self-esteem and intimacy. Survivors may work with healthcare professionals and therapists to address these concerns and maintain healthy relationships.

Support and Advocacy

Breast cancer survivors often become advocates for breast cancer awareness, research, and improved treatments. They may participate in fundraising events, share their stories, and support others going through a similar journey.

Survivors often seek support from breast cancer support groups, counselling, and online communities.
Accessing helpful resources such as books, podcasts, and blogs can provide valuable information and inspiration.
Many survivors become advocates for breast cancer awareness, research, and early detection.
Volunteering, fundraising, and sharing their stories help inspire and support others.

Family and Relationships

Breast cancer can impact not only the individual but also their loved ones. Open and honest communication with loved ones about the cancer experience can strengthen relationships and help family and friends understand the survivor's needs and concerns.

Breast cancer and its treatment can impact a survivor's sense of intimacy and sexuality. Couples counselling or discussions with doctors can help address these issues.

Follow-up Care and Screening

Follow-up care is crucial to monitor your health, detect any signs of recurrence, and manage lingering side effects. Your healthcare team will create a personalised follow-up plan based on your situation.
Follow-up appointments typically include physical examinations, imaging tests (such as mammograms and ultrasounds), and blood tests.
The frequency of follow-up appointments may vary but is often more frequent in the first few years after treatment and then gradually spaced out.
These appointments also allow you to discuss physical or emotional concerns with your healthcare team, so don't hesitate to ask questions or seek support.

Ultimately, breast cancer survivorship aims to maximise the quality of life. Survivors focus on living well, finding joy in life's moments, and moving forward with hope and purpose.

Can I Lower My Risk of Breast Cancer Progressing or Coming Back?

Yes, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence or progression:

Adhere to Follow-up Care: Attend all recommended follow-up appointments and screenings as your healthcare team advises.
Lifestyle Changes: Adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, limited alcohol consumption, and not smoking.
Medications: Depending on the type of breast cancer you had, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy or other targeted therapies to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Genetic Testing: If you have a family history or genetic predisposition, consider genetic counselling and testing to understand your risk better.
Breast Self-Exams: Continue to perform regular breast self-exams and report any changes to your doctor.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about breast cancer research and advancements, and discuss new treatment options with your healthcare team.
Stress Management: Practise stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or counselling to manage emotional stress.