How to cope with fear of breast cancer recurrence

Chances of breast cancer recurrence 

• Recurrence rates of breast cancer depend on the initial stage and treatment.

• Every year that passes after the breast cancer diagnosis, the chance of a recurrence decreases.

• Recurrences where the breast cancer has spread are more difficult to treat than a new diagnosis. Not all treatment options are available for recurrences—it’s not a curable condition.

• In women with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers, certain drugs like Tamoxifen can decrease the chances of recurrence by 30 to 40%.

• For women who are estrogen-receptor negative, most of the hormone therapy drugs won’t work. Chemotherapy is typically used instead, which also greatly reduces the chances of recurrence.

• Women who are at increased risk of getting breast cancer (strong family history or abnormal breast biopsies) can benefit by taking Tamoxifen and other similar drugs.

• Raloxifene has been recently approved for older women (post-menopausal) to decrease their risk.

Women should inform their doctors about their fears of recurrence. Women who have already been treated can be concerned that average aches and pains are signs of a recurrence. Most often they’re not, but stay in contact with doctor about any abnormalities in your health.

For more information go to www.komen.org or call the Susan G. Komen for the Cure helpline at 1-800-IM AWARE.