Breast Cancer Survivors: 10 Things To Guard Against

The issue:Takingtamoxifen, a long-term hormone therapy drug given to many survivors, increases the risk ofendometrialand otheruterine cancers.

Your response:Ask your doctor about the warning signs of these cancers; report any symptoms to your oncologist.

The issue:Radiation andremoval of lymph nodesincreases the riskof lymphedema, a painful swelling of the trunk and arm that, if untreated, can lead to cellulitis.

Your response:Be careful not to injure your arm on the side where you had surgery. Guard against cuts, burns (including sunburn), insect bites, and muscle injuries or fatigue. Report any swelling to your doctor.

The issue:Survivors of breast cancer may be athigher risk for ovarian cancer, due to a possible genetic link between the two diseases, according to theAmerican Cancer Society.

Your response:Ask your doctor if you’re a candidate for genetic testing to determine if you’re at higher risk for ovarian cancer. If testing determines you’re at higher risk, consider removal of your ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The issue:Breast cancer survivors who’ve undergone radiation are often at risk forcardiac issues, starting within a couple of years of the end of treatment, and continuing for 20 years or more.Chemotherapycan cause heart problems, too.

Your response:Be aware that your risk of heart attack or coronary blockage is up to 79 percent higher (for high-dose radiation) than it is for other women. Make sure your GP knows of yourincreased risk, and follow a heart-healthy lifestyle.

The issue:Women whose chemotherapy drives them intopremature menopausemay experience a wide range of long-lasting side effects, both emotional and physical. Taking anaromatase inhibitoras part of long-term treatment exacerbates thoseside effects.

Your response:Some treatments for menopausal side effectsincrease your risk乳腺癌复发。你说话oncologist about which are safe to use.

The issue:Women who undergo long-term hormone therapy in the form oftamoxifenare at increased risk for stroke and deep vein thrombosis, blood clots that develop in the legs and travel to the lungs.

Your response:Immediately report any leg pain and/or swelling; chest pain or shortness of breath; numbness; trouble speaking, walking, or seeing; or sudden, severe headache to your doctor.

The issue:Survivors who’ve had chemotherapy often experience“chemo brain,”a distressing loss of cognitive ability and mental functioning. This usually clears up with time, but many say they never return to their former mental acuity.

Your response:Don’t panic; you’ll probably improve over time.In the meantime, make lists; cut back on multi-tasking; and exercise your brain (crossword puzzles, Sudoku).

The issue:Taking aromatase inhibitors (Femara, Aromasin, Arimidex) to prevent cancer recurrenceincreases your risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis– loss of bone density that can lead to weakened bones and fractures.

Your response:Ask your doctor to schedule regular DEXA scans to track any bone changes. If bone loss occurs, ask whether you needbisphosphonate drugsto slow down bone deterioration.

The issue:Women who’ve had radiation are atincreased risk for sarcoma, a type of cancer most commonly occurring in bones and cartilage. Women who’ve had chemotherapy are at greater risk forbladder cancerand blood cancers such asleukemia.

Your response:你说话oncologist. Identify other cancers for which you might be at risk, then learn the symptoms to watch out for.

The issue:Women treated with certain types ofchemo drugs, usually Taxol/Taxotere, may experience peripheral neuropathy: long term/permanent tingling and pain in the feet, legs, hands and arms. This can affectbalanceand use of the hands.

Your response:Ask your oncologist aboutpainkillers and antidepressantsto treat pain, or physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture, which some women report helpful.