The prospect of recurrence is ultimately something that everyone with breast cancer lives with.
Symptoms
As with the original breast cancer, the signs and symptoms of a recurrence can vary.
In some cases, the symptoms may be subtle.
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In others, there may be overt, as is the case with a lump.
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Causes
There are many factors that figure into the risk of recurrence.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Age andfamily historyfactor in as well.
That said, even small stage 1A breast cancers may sometimes recur.
Late Recurrence
Breast cancers may recur at any time.
In fact, estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancers are more likely to recurafter5 years than in the first 5 years.
Treatment
Treatment of a recurrence will depend on whether it is local, regional, or distant.
Cancers like these are categorized asstage 4, and that cannot be cured.
Your treatment would be focused on extending your life and maintaining your optimal quality of life.
Some drugs are used primarily for people who have BRCA mutations.
There are many clinical trials currently in place looking for better treatments for metastatic breast cancer.
Aromatase inhibitors have also been proven to help prevent breast cancer recurrence.
Even if you do everything “right,” breast cancer can still return.
Arguably the best strategy is to identify a recurrence early, when treatment is expected to be most effective.
Prognosis
Theprognosisafter a recurrence depends on whether the recurrent is local, regional, or distant.
Generally speaking, more advanced malignancy is associated with shorter anticipated survival.
None of this should suggest that breast cancer recurrence will inherently shorten your life span.
Some women are successfully treated for recurrence and go on to live long, healthy lives.
Of these, most occurred within a year due to an advanced malignancy.
This indicates a low probability of recurrence after five years disease-free.
In fact, some people say that this news is even more distressing than receiving their first diagnosis.
You should also seek asupport group of breast cancer survivorswho understand firsthand what you are going through.
If you are unable to cope, seek professional help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
American Cancer Society.What Is cancer recurrence?
Cleveland Clinic.Breast cancer recurrence.
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