Breast cancer survivors live concerning about a recurrence: 5 tips to reduce risk of recurrence

One major worry that plagues many breast cancer survivors is the chance of recurrence. Despite getting treatment from the Best Oncologist in Delhi, survivors still worry about what they can do to avoid going through the ordeal again. However, one thing to keep in mind about breast cancer is that not every survivor has a recurrence, but the risk for the same is present in all. In this article, we will discuss the chances of recurrence in breast cancer survivors and tips to help prevent the same. 

Chances of Breast Cancer Recurrence

Despite undergoing the Best Cancer Treatment in Delhi, survivors have a significant risk of recurrence, especially in the first five years. There have been special cases of delayed recurrence after almost 15 years of initial diagnosis, which is rare. In essence, the risk factor of recurrence of breast cancer is never zero due to the role of hormones in this type of cancer. However, as a general rule, the 5-year milestone marks the end of the long journey since the initial diagnosis. Then what causes a recurrence in some survivors despite getting treatments from a qualified Cancer Specialist in Noida?

Causes of Breast Cancer Recurrence

Through a detailed and systematic study of several cases, doctors, scientists, and researchers have identified the medical factors that can cause a recurrence in breast cancer survivors. They are: 

• Survivors with Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), Progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), and HER2-negative (HER2­–) tumor receptor statuses.
• Premenopausal and postmenopausal survivors who had a tumor larger than 2 cm with a high number of lymph nodes involved
• Postmenopausal survivors who stopped their hormone therapy before completion
• Low level of hormonal expression from the tumor in postmenopausal survivors

Despite these factors, survivors can reduce their recurrence risk through some practices. 

Tips to Reduce Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk

There are 5 steps that breast cancer survivors or patients will be asked to follow by the Best Breast Cancer Doctor in Delhi. They are: 

• Securing emotional well-being: Although hard, maintaining emotional health throughout and after cancer treatment can have a significant impact on recovery and chances of recurrence. 
• Maintaining a healthy diet: Having a balanced diet will strengthen your body and immune system. This not only helps during treatment but also reduces the risk of recurrence.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Research shows a higher risk of cancer recurrence in overweight or obese survivors. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight through physical activity and diet is important. 
• Stick to after-treatment screenings and tests: Some of the best oncologists in the world suggest survivors get screened and tested regularly after treatment for early detection of a recurrence or preventing the same. Survivors can also use this opportunity to discuss any new symptoms or signs with their doctors. 
• Complete hormone therapy course: Hormone therapy can have quite a few side effects that make survivors stop their course in the middle. However, it is recommended to finish the course to prevent recurrence later in life. 

Lifestyle Changes that can Reduce Breast Cancer Recurrence

The tips above sure do help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, but only when accompanied by complementary lifestyle changes. Some of the changes suggested by oncologists like Dr. Manish Singhal are:

• Be Physically Active

Extensive research on breast cancer recurrence shows a positive effect on the recurrence rates by being physically active during and after cancer treatment. Engaging in strength and resistance exercises along with a healthy diet can give survivors a stronger immune system, capable of preventing cancer growth in the future. 

• Be Mindful of Stress

Overstressing during or after treatment can potentially adversely affect recovery. It is, therefore, important to control stress levels through various activities like Yoga or meditation.

• Kick Aside Unhealthy Habits

Unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol and smoking is a no-no during and after treatment. A survivor who was a smoker or alcoholic before the diagnosis would need to kick these habits away to prevent a recurrence. 

Bottom Line

Recurrence rates are high in breast cancer survivors regardless of undergoing treatment from the best Cancer Specialist in Noida. Despite the influence of medical factors of the tumor, survivors can do their bit to prevent a recurrence through major lifestyle changes in terms of diet, weight, and exercise.