Breast Cancer Recurrence: What You Should Know
Breast cancer recurrence refers to the return of breast cancer after initial treatment. It can occur in the same breast where the cancer was first found (local recurrence), in the nearby lymph nodes (regional recurrence), or in distant parts of the body (distant recurrence or metastasis).
Here are some key points you should know about breast cancer recurrence:
Risk Factors: Certain factors can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence, including:
- Type of breast cancer: Some types, like triple-negative breast cancer, have a higher risk of recurrence.
- Stage of cancer at diagnosis: The more advanced the cancer at the time of diagnosis, the higher the risk of recurrence.
- Lymph node involvement: If cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes, it increases the risk of recurrence.
- Hormone receptor status: If the cancer is hormone receptor-positive (ER or PR-positive), the risk of recurrence may be lower compared to hormone receptor-negative cancer.
- HER2 status: If the cancer is HER2-positive, the risk of recurrence may be higher.
Timeframe: Breast cancer recurrence can happen at different times after initial treatment:
- Early recurrence: This refers to recurrence within the first two to three years after completing primary treatment.
- Late recurrence: This refers to recurrence more than two to three years after completing primary treatment. Late recurrence is more common in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
Symptoms: The signs and symptoms of breast cancer recurrence can vary depending on the location of the recurrence:
- Local recurrence may present as a lump, thickening, or skin changes in the previously affected breast.
- Regional recurrence (in nearby lymph nodes) may cause swelling, tenderness, or pain in the armpit or neck.
- Distant metastasis can have different symptoms depending on the affected organ. For example, bone metastasis may cause pain, lung metastasis may cause shortness of breath, or liver metastasis may cause jaundice.
Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up care with your healthcare team is essential after breast cancer treatment. Follow-up may include physical examinations, mammograms, ultrasound imaging, blood tests, and other tests as recommended by your doctor.
Treatment: Treatment for breast cancer recurrence depends on the type of recurrence, the characteristics of the cancer, and your overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these.
Emotional Impact: Breast cancer recurrence can be emotionally challenging. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty are common emotions. Talking to your healthcare team, seeking support from loved ones or support groups, and practicing stress-reduction techniques can help you cope emotionally.
Remember, every case is unique, and the information provided here is general in nature. It's important to consult with your healthcare team for personalized guidance and advice regarding your specific situation and treatment options.