After successfully undergoing treatment for breast cancer and going into remission, most patients feel an immense sense of relief at finally being declared cancer-free. However, this may be accompanied by a different stressor: preventing the breast cancer from returning, also known as “breast cancer recurrence”. To minimize and preventing this risk of your breast cancer coming back, there are a few things that you can do.[1]

The first thing that you can do is take care of yourself emotionally. Going through cancer diagnosis and treatment can be a long, arduous, and stressful process. Afterwards, it’s important to consider your mental and emotional wellbeing. Some ways you can help yourself in this respect is to attend a support group for breast cancer survivors, consider psychotherapy or antidepressants if needed, and take up stress-reduction exercises. Such exercises may include things such as meditation, journaling, yoga, and exploring creative hobbies such as painting and drawing.[1]

Another important step for preventing breast cancer recurrence is taking care of yourself physically as well as emotionally. This includes things such as regularly exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking if you’re a current smoker. Other things that are prudent for preventing cancer recurrence are regularly keeping up with your scheduled screenings and contacting your physician if you notice any notable physical changes.[1]

References:

1.     Day, J. A. Reducing risk of breast cancer recurrence: Johns Hopkins Breast Center. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/cancers_we_treat/breast_cancer_program/treatment_and_services/survivorship/reducing_recurrence.html (accessed Dec 31,  2021).