By Rod Ritchie I’ve written a lot about the stigma many men experience when they are given a breast cancer diagnosis. This truly is a big thing, and it very often kicks in, even before diagnosis, when a guy is wondering about a lump behind his nipple or even a nipple discharge. Perhaps a partner or a woman friend might offer advice like, better get that checked out, but many men are still getting over the shock that they could even get this disease and embarrassment when they find themselves entering a world of pink. I edit men’s breast cancer stories for the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance and of the approximately 2,600 men diagnosed each year in the United States, only a dozen or so come forward to tell their story. Again, there’s not enough public awareness that breast cancer is genderless. Of course, it’s very obvious that women are better at not only talking to each other about their ailments, but also seeking medical attention when they are genuinely concerned. And, they have the benefit of public awareness, extensive research on the disease based on the results of trials on hundreds of thousands of women. The good news is that the FDA recently asked research institutions to consider including men when they submitted research proposals. Without the benefit of evidence-based research, men will continue to be treated using the research results of women. I have to say that I didn’t succumb to much stigma. I’m not sure if it’s because my mother was treated for metastatic breast cancer. I’ve often thought if she had been diagnosed just 10 years later, she would have benefitted from chemotherapy drugs that were just being introduced at the time. As it was, she had a radical mastectomy and very strong, but not well directed, radiation treatment. I was 10 at the time when I caught sight of mom getting out of the shower. Her chest was extensively scarred and this image is still clear in my mind today. She died two years later, aged 40. For too long now men have been blindsided by this cancer. I’ve made a point of being an active advocate for men with breast cancer through my writing, my patient counseling, my active social media presence, and sometimes through direct action. At a large breast cancer fun run in a capital city a few years ago, I asked for a turn at the microphone. The M.C., looking somewhat askance, passed it to me and I said, this disease is genderless, men, if you feel a lump, get it checked out, or if you have a family history of breast or prostate cancer, join a screening program. The microphone was pulled away from me after this. I’d broken the code of silence surrounding men and this disease. Well, I didn’t care. Unless we all make a noise, we’ll never change anything. Most important to all the patient advocates I know working on explaining the genderless nature of breast cancer, is to eliminate sexual stereotyping . This can be achieved by lobbying the big pink charities to include us in their education and awareness campaigns, advocating for more research that includes men of all races, and making a genuine effort to reduce the stigma attached to being a man with this disease. --- Rod Ritchie is a Sydney-born writer, internet publisher, and breast cancer patient activist, living with breast and prostate cancers. Currently he’s NED for both. He’s President, Board of Directors, Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, has a website at MaleBC.org and you can follow him on Twitter @malefitness His articles for Health Union can be found here: https://advancedbreastcancer.net/author/traveltext

By Alexis Puthussery The presence of social media in modern life can’t be denied. Be it TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or one of the many other available platforms out there, most people today have some form of social media. Whether its influence has been overall good or bad has been the subject of many debates. The reality is much more complicated than a single net positive or negative, with much of its influence depending on the individual user and their tastes and mindset. This is even truer in the context of breast cancer social media engagement. A Useful Tool Research has shown that social media is a useful tool for those diagnosed with breast cancer. A study published in 2019 in the Journal of Medical Internet Research wrote about the positive effects social media can have for patients. Developing connections with others is extremely important for people, no matter the state of their health, and it’s especially important for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The study acknowledged that in-person interaction is the ideal way to maintain these connections, but this may not be possible for some. They write how some patients may not have many supportive people in their communities to turn to, so social media can give them the support they have been looking for. There are extensive online communities that offer advice, education, and morale for patients, many of which can be found on SurvivingBreastCancer.org Social Media and Quarantine The value of social media is highlighted well in the study from the Journal of Medical Internet Research, which was written in 2019, pre-pandemic. During COVID-19, however, the value of social media for breast cancer patients can’t be overstated. In quarantine, not only were breast cancer patients stuck in their homes and separated from many loved ones like everyone else in the world, but they were also one of the more susceptible populations to the virus. The study from the Journal of Medical Internet Research noted that cancer patients feel significant mental pressures on top of their physical ones. These pressures were amplified during the pandemic. This combination of being more susceptible to the virus and being separated from the community during quarantine made social media an important tool for breast cancer patients to keep their psyche healthy. Spread of Misinformation Though social media has certainly been beneficial for patients when seeking out communities, the spread of health misinformation on popular social media sites like TikTok and X has increased in the past few years . A study conducted in 2021 by Victor Suarez-Lledo and Javier Alvarez-Galvez found that noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer, were one of the six health topics about which misinformation was spread most often on social media. The prevalence of health misinformation increased during the pandemic regarding masking and vaccine protocols. Since then, the reliance on social media for medical information has only grown. In July 2022, Google revealed that about half of today’s youth (18-24 year olds) use TikTok or Instagram instead of Google Search. More and more people are starting to trust what they see on social media, even though studies, like the one by Suarez-Lledo and Alvarez-Galvez, have shown that misinformation is rampant on these sites. To avoid misinformation regarding breast cancer, after reading something on a social media site, double-check with a medical professional in your life or visit trusted cancer sites such as Survivingbreastcancer.org, American Cancer Society, or Cancer.gov. Ethics, Exploitation, and Permission Another potential pitfall of breast cancer on social media is the ethics of posting about someone with breast cancer. Many people post about a loved one who has cancer, often in good faith and to spread awareness. If someone plans on doing this, they must get the permission of the patient to prevent exploitation. Especially if the planned post intends to share details about the patient’s battle, no matter how significant, the patient must sign off on the post. Too often, breast cancer patients are exploited, and social media provides another avenue for this exploitation. It gets trickier if the patient has passed away. This is when the questions of what and whether or not someone should post about a patient’s illness become more case-by-case. Someone can still be exploited after they have passed away, and one should go to the greatest lengths possible to prevent this from happening. If the diagnosis is terminal, ask the patient what they are comfortable with you sharing and where. Permission is always necessary when posting about your loved ones. Do What Feels Good For You The effects of social media on the breast cancer community cannot be defined as completely good or bad. It is something that is dependent on the person and their involvement in a patient’s life and is completely up to them. During the pandemic, social media certainly was helpful for many, but the following rise in misinformation online highlights its pitfalls. Use social media in regard to your cancer journey as you see fit. If you feel that a specific community is lacking in your life regarding education or support for your breast cancer, there are plenty of groups that you will be able to find on social media. Survivingbreastcancer.org has many resources that can be found on the website. But if you feel like you have everything you need in your life in person, don’t feel pressured to go to social media just because it is everywhere.

A breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming and can leave your head spinning. If you’re dealing with breast cancer, especially if you’ve recently been diagnosed, it's easy to get confused by all of the terms your healthcare team uses. However, it’s essential that you understand these terms so that you can play an informed, active role in your care. While most people are familiar with many basic terms, like mammograms and imaging, you’ll likely hear other references to treatments and tests that are not as recognizable. Keep reading to learn more about terms used involving the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and new groundbreaking data. Oncotype Scores vs. MammaPrint vs. BluePrint Several tests are available to determine a treatment plan and the likelihood of recurrence. They differ based on age and other factors, including cancer stage. Oncotype Score If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor may recommend the Oncotype DX test. Depending on your cancer type, this test can tell doctors if the cancer is likely to return at some point. The Oncotype DX analyzes a cancer tumor sample to see the activity of specific genes and how likely it is to grow and spread. The test uses tissue taken during the initial biopsy or surgery. It measures 21 select breast cancer genes. (You might hear it called a "21-gene signature.") Your doctor might suggest the test if you have: Stage I or II invasive breast cancer Estrogen-receptor positive (called ER+) cancer, meaning the disease's cells grow in response to the hormone estrogen Cancer that isn’t in the lymph nodes The test uses a ‘numerical recurrence score’ (1 to 100) that divides tumors into three categories: low, intermediate, or high risk of recurrence. MammaPrint The MammaPrint test is a genomic test that analyzes the activity of specific genes in early-stage breast cancer. Genomic tests analyze a cancer tumor sample to see how active particular genes are, determining how likely it is to grow and spread. These tests help doctors make decisions about whether more treatments after surgery would be beneficial. While their names sound similar, genomic testing and genetic testing are very different. Genetic testing is done using blood, saliva, or other tissue samples and can tell if you have an abnormal change (also called a mutation) in a gene linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. The MammaPrint test can only be used to analyze early-stage breast cancers. For example, the test can be used on cancers that are: Stage I or stage II Invasive Smaller than 5 centimeters In three or fewer lymph nodes Hormone-receptor-positive (estrogen/ progesterone) and hormone-receptor-negative The MammaPrint test can be performed on a sample of preserved tissue that your doctor removed during the original biopsy or surgery. BluePrint BluePrint is a test used to predict tumor behavior in breast cancer. The test analyzes the activity of 80 genes to classify the tumors into three types: Luminal: This type of tumor is responsive to hormonal (Example: anti-estrogen) therapy HER2: This type of tumor multiplies rapidly, may recur, and can be treated with anti-HER2 therapies Basel: This type of tumor grows quickly and does not respond to hormonal or anti-HER2 therapies MammaPrint and BluePrint tests are run simultaneously on the same tumor tissue sample to provide results in ten days. It’s the only FDA-cleared test that is designed for people of all ages who: Are newly diagnosed with invasive early-stage breast cancer (Stage I or II) Have a tumor size up to 5 cm Are either lymph node-negative or have 1-3 positive lymph nodes Genomic Testing and Precision Medicine Genomic tests analyze a cancer tumor sample to determine certain genes’ activity. The genes analyzed are called biomarkers. For breast cancer, the genomic tests are used mainly to analyze early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive (estrogen +/- progesterone), HER2-negative breast cancer to predict the risk of recurrence — cancer coming back — usually within five to ten years following the initial diagnosis. Precision medicine — also called individualized or personalized medicine — is an approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, taking into account a person’s genetic makeup. For example, the goal of precision medicine for breast cancer is to tailor treatment to your genetic makeup and the genetic changes in your cancer cells. Groundbreaking News on Cancer Research The world’s leading oncology researchers gathered at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting. There, they presented leading-edge research and tackled disparities in breast cancer, including the following five highlights: Improved Overall Survival Rates for Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer A recent study showed that the addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy significantly improved the overall survival rates among patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer tumors with a clinical and pathologic stage (CPS) score of 10 or more. Improved Survival in Women With Hormone-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer Another study has shown a significant benefit with adding ribociclib to letrozole as the first-line treatment in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. Strides Are Being Made in the Treatment of Brain Metastases From Breast Cancer Promising study results show that new drugs for HER2-positive breast cancer can overcome some obstacles that have made brain metastases challenging to treat. Chemicals Used in Personal Care Products May Increase Breast Cancer Risk in Black Women Study findings show that chemical compounds called parabens, widely found in hair and personal care products, may increase breast cancer risk in Black women more than in White women. The Risk of Disease Progression Significantly Reduced for Hormone Receptor-Positive and HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer Tests have shown that sacituzumab govitecan-hziy significantly reduced the risk of disease progression for patients with advanced breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative. Count On Us for Information, Resources, and Support Whether you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer , are navigating survivorship, or are the loved one of someone experiencing breast cancer, you can count on Surviving Breast Cancer to keep you informed. We provide educational information to help you better understand symptoms, testing, treatment options , surgery, etc., and podcasts that feature professionals, advocates, and caregivers who share valuable information. Our global online community offers opportunities to connect with others for safe, judgment-free peer-to-peer support and ensures you’re never alone. We also offer healing workshops and mindfulness classes . Join any of our groups or get matched with a mentor. Contact us today to learn more about or benefit from our services.

Why are Surgical Margins Important in Breast Cancer Surgery? If surgery is part of your or a loved one's plan, then you’ll probably be hearing a term called “ surgical margins .” Understanding a surgical margin is one of the many ways your medical team can determine whether or not surgical intervention was successful or not, and whether or not further procedures will be necessary. As a result, the surgical margin can be a source of worry for many facing breast cancer. This article will hopefully be able to clear up a few points on what a margin is, what it can tell you, and what happens after. Understanding Your Pathology Report The National Comprehensive Cancer Network provides the most up-to-date information on breast cancer guidelines. A pathology report is a medical document that contains information about the tissue and cells that were removed during your biopsy or surgery. The report also includes information about the type of breast cancer you have and how aggressive it is. Pathology reports can be confusing, but it’s important to review them with your doctor so that you can better understand your diagnosis and treatment options. If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, your pathology report can provide valuable information about your disease. Pathology reports can help your doctor determine the type of breast cancer you have and how aggressive it is. This information is important in developing a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. Pathology reports can be confusing, but it’s important to review them with your doctor so that you can better understand your diagnosis and treatment options. If you have questions about your pathology report, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for clarification. What Happens After My Tumor and Breast Tissue are Removed After your breast tissue is removed, it will be sent to a laboratory where a pathologist will examine it under a microscope. The pathologist will look for cancer cells and determine the type of breast cancer you have. The pathology report will also include information about the tumor’s grade, which is a measure of how aggressive the cancer is. The pathology report can provide valuable information about your disease and help your doctor develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. If you have questions about your pathology report, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for clarification. How to Measure a Surgical Margin? A surgical margin is an examination of the removed breast tissue following a surgery, to see where cancerous cells are in relation to the edge of the sample. Following a breast cancer removal surgery, pathologists will examine the distance between the cancer cells and the edge of the removed breast tissue, or the size of the border surrounding a removed tumor. Surgical margins are the tissue that surrounds a tumor that has been removed during surgery. The width of the margins varies depending on the type of cancer being treated. For example, breast cancer margins are typically 1-2 cm, while melanoma margins are usually 5-7 cm. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to reduce the high risk of recurrence. Margins are also important in determining the stage of cancer, which helps guide decisions. Margins are classified as either microscopically positive or negative. Microscopically positive margins mean that there are cancer cells at the edge of the removed tissue sample, while negative margins mean that there are no cancer cells at the edge of the sample. Knowing Your Surgical Margin Status Understanding your margin is also important in determining the stage of cancer, which helps guide treatments. When your breast tissue is sent to the pathologist, they will perform an analysis to determine if the surgery achieved clear margins. Margins are classified as either microscopically positive or negative. Microscopically positive surgical margins, or involved margins, mean that there are cancer cells at the edges of the tissue that was removed during surgery. This means that not all of the breast cancer cells were removed and that there is a higher risk of the cancer recurring. Negative surgical margins, or clear margins, mean that there are no breast cancer cells at the edges of the removed tissue, which signifies that all of the breast cancer cells were likely removed during surgery. Finally, close margins are when it is unclear if there are cancer cells at the edge of the tissue or not, or the cancer is very close to the edge of the tissue. What Happens If I Have a Positive Margin Result? The term “positive surgical margin” (PSM) is used when cancer cells are found at the edge of the removed tissue sample. This means that all of the cancer may not have been removed during surgery, and additional treatment, such as radiation therapy, may be needed. A PSM can also be a sign that the cancer may come back (recur). The chance of the cancer recurring is higher if the PSM is close to the edge of the removed tissue or if there is more than one area of PSM. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer and received this result, it may feel scary or like the surgery wasn’t successful. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a positive margin doesn’t necessarily mean that the breast cancer will come back or that the surgery wasn’t successful. In fact, many breast cancer patients with positive margins go on to have successful breast cancer treatment and remain cancer-free. What Does PSM Indicate About the Cancer? There are a few reasons why you may have a positive surgical margin even though the surgery was successful in removing the breast cancer tumor. One reason is that breast cancer cells can be very small, so it’s possible for some breast cancer cells to remain even after surgery. Additionally, the surgeon may have removed a larger margin of breast tissue than necessary to ensure all of the breast cancer cells were removed. It’s also important to keep in mind that breast cancer can spread beyond the breast. So, even if the surgeon removes the breast cancer tumor and a wide margin of breast tissue, there’s a possibility that breast cancer cells have already spread to other parts of the body. This is why breast cancer patients with this diagnosis often receive additional treatment, such as radiation therapy, to help kill any remaining breast cancer cells and reduce the risk of the breast cancer recurring. How Can You Lower Your Risk of Having Positive Margins? There are a few things you can do to lower your risk, including: Choose a breast cancer surgeon who is experienced in the type of surgery you are looking to have Have a preoperative breast MRI in addition to a mammogram Discuss your treatment options with your surgeon in advance of the surgery What Treatment Options are Available If You Have a Positive Margin? If you have breast cancer and did not have clear margins, your cancer treatment team will likely recommend additional treatment, such as radiation to help kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the breast cancer recurring. Radiation is a common therapy for breast cancer patients. In fact, studies have shown that breast cancer patients who receive radiation treatment after surgery have a lower risk of the breast cancer recurring. If you or a loved one has breast cancer and positive margins, it’s important to talk to your healthcare team about all of your treatment options. Together, you can make a treatment plan that’s best for you. What Happens If I Have a Negative Surgical Margin Status? If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer and receives this result, it’s good news! An NSM indicates that the surgery was successful in removing all of the cancer from the breast. Additionally, it means that there’s a lower risk of the cancer recurring. NSM is often used to describe hope. This article helped to clear up some questions you may have had about surgical margins. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s important to talk to your healthcare team about all of your treatment options. Together, you can make a treatment plan that’s best for you. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer and received negative margins, it means that there were no breast cancer cells at the edges of the removed tissue. This is generally good news, as it suggests that all of the breast cancer cells were likely removed during surgery. In most cases, no additional treatment will be necessary following surgery. Breast cancer patients with negative margins have a lower risk of the cancer recurring. However, it’s important to keep in mind that breast cancer can still come back even if you have negative margins. That’s why it’s important to follow up with your breast cancer treatment team and get regular breast cancer screenings, even if you’ve had breast surgery with negative surgical margins. What Happens If I Have a Close Surgical Margin Status? Close surgical margins, also called close margins or margin-negative breast cancer, refer to cancer tumors that are very close to the edge of the removed tissue but don’t have any breast cancer cells at the edges. Close margins are not considered positive because there are no breast cancer cells at the edge of the tissue. However, close margins may require additional treatment, such as radiation therapy, to help reduce the risk of the cancer recurring. Your team will likely recommend additional treatment. In most cases, this additional treatment will be radiation therapy. When Will I Know the Results? Margin results are usually given a week after surgery, and it also depends on what type of surgery you are getting. If you have negative margins, usually no follow-up surgery is recommended, although you may undergo further chemotherapy and/or radiation. However, for both positive and close margins, this means that further surgery may be required. The Different Types of Breast Cancer and How They Affect Surgical Margins While the reported nationwide rate of PSM for breast cancer is about 20% , according to a couple of reviews of margin outcomes, the actual statistics may be much smaller, closer to 5 or 6% due to the national rate not accounting for repeated procedures on aggressive cases. These statistics also vary between the types or stages of breast cancer, as well as the type of procedure a person chooses to undergo (total mastectomy vs. partial). Possible risk factors include HER2+ cancers, a lobular histology, and more conservative breast-conserving surgery types. However, despite these risk factors, the occurrence of positive margins for breast cancer in both men and women declined over one study period of 10 years. This means that surgeons are improving over time at removing most/all of the cancerous tissue for a given surgery, and the chances that you or a loved one will be faced with a positive margin are lower than they once were. According to guidelines published by the American Society of Breast Surgeons , the recommended course of action for those with negative margins is not to repeat a procedure; for those with close margins, to rely upon genetic markers and the location of close margins in deciding whether or not to repeat a procedure. Despite improving rates, the possibility of having positive margins at all can be a source of great stress and worry for many. Not knowing what surgical margins you’ll have following a potentially major, life-altering surgery can often lead to adverse consequences, such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, and anticipatory grief. Does Your Surgical Choice of Lumpectomy or Mastectomy Improve Your Chances of Clear Margins? Although there are some clear advantages to having a mastectomy over a lumpectomy, such as lower risk of cancer recurrence and no need for radiation therapy, the decision of which surgery to have is often a very personal one. Some people may feel that the disadvantages, such as a longer recovery time, more scarring, and a higher risk of complications, are not worth the slightly increased chance of clear margins. Ultimately, the decision should be made between you and your breast cancer treatment team, taking into account all of the available information on your individual case. It’s important to remember that even if you do have PSM, it doesn’t mean that your breast cancer treatment has failed. In most cases, further surgery or radiation therapy can be successful in achieving clear margins. And although the prospect of more surgery may be daunting, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. There are many resources available to help you through this difficult time, and with the support of your loved ones, you will get through it. Ways to Improve Your Chances of Getting Clear Margins in Breast Cancer Surgery There are a few ways that you can improve your chances of getting clear margins. First, you can choose to have a mastectomy instead of a breast-conserving surgery. While a mastectomy is more invasive, it also gives the surgeon a clear view of the breast tissue and allows them to remove more tissue. Second, you can choose to have a genetic test before surgery. This test can identify if you have certain genes that are linked to breast cancer. If you do have these genes, your surgeon may be able to remove more tissue to ensure clear margins. Finally, you can ask your surgeon about their experience with breast surgery. Choose a surgeon who has performed the procedure many times and has a good track record. While there is no guarantee that you will get clear margins, following these tips can improve your chances. How to Reduce Stress While Waiting On the Results of Your Surgery Some steps that you can take to mitigate these include reaching out to a support group or mental health professional, or partaking in creative works such as reading , writing , drawing, dance , and journaling. Finally, it is always a good idea to discuss your concerns with your medical team, as they will be able to best address your individual case. Grappling with surgical margins is something that many will have to face throughout their cancer journey, but it’s important to remember that they are not entirely indicative of how your story will go. At SurvivingBreastCancer.org, we want you to know that we are here with you, no matter how your journey may progress. How to Cope with a Diagnosis of a Positive Margin Status after Surgery? If you or a loved one receives a positive margin diagnosis, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. In fact, breast cancer patients with positive surgical margins often go on to have successful breast cancer treatment and remain cancer-free. If you’re struggling to cope with a diagnosis of positive margins, there are a few things you can do: Talk to your treatment team about your diagnosis and treatment options Join a breast cancer support group Talk to a counselor or therapist who specializes in helping people cope with breast cancer It’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with your diagnosis and treatment. What are the Long-Term Effects of Breast Surgery? The long-term effects of breast surgery will vary depending on the type of surgery you had. For example, if you had a lumpectomy, the long-term effects may be less severe than if you had a mastectomy. Additionally, whether or not you received radiation therapy after surgery can also affect the long-term effects. Some common long-term effects of surgery include: Pain at the site of the incision Lymphedema (swelling in the arm) Numbness in the breast or chest Infection Scarring If you’re experiencing any long-term effects from surgery, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe medications or suggest treatments that can help alleviate some of the side effects. Will a PET or CT Scan Be Required? A PET or CT scan may be required if your surgical margins are close or if there is a chance that cancer cells may have spread to other parts of your body. These scans can help your doctor determine whether or not you will need additional treatment. Breast cancer patients with positive surgical margins often go on to have successful breast cancer treatment and remain cancer-free. Talk to your treatment team about your diagnosis and treatment options- Join our SBC breast cancer support group (aka Thursday Night Thrivers ) What Questions Should I Ask My Breast Surgeon? If you are scheduled to have breast surgery, it’s important to ask your surgeon any questions you may have about the procedure. Some common questions patients ask their surgeons include: What type of surgery will I be having? What are the risks and complications associated with this type of surgery? How long will the surgery take? What can I expect the recovery process to be like? Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery? When can I expect to see results from the surgery? Asking questions can help ease some of the anxiety and stress you may be feeling about upcoming surgery. It’s also a good opportunity to get more information about what to expect during and after the procedure. What are the Different Types of Breast Cancer Surgery? The type of surgery you have will depend on a number of factors, including the stage of your cancer, the size of your tumor, and your overall health. The three most common types of breast surgery are: Lumpectomy: A lumpectomy is a minimally invasive surgery in which only the entire tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue surrounding it are removed. This type of surgery is typically used for early-stage breast cancers. Mastectomy: A mastectomy is a more extensive surgery in which the entire breast is removed. This type of surgery may be recommended for larger tumors or for patients who are at high risk of the cancer returning. Breast Reconstruction: Breast reconstruction is a surgery that is performed to rebuild the shape of the breast after a mastectomy. This type of surgery is typically done at the same time as a mastectomy or may be done in a separate procedure. Aesthetic Flat Closure What are some common side effects of breast cancer surgery? Some common side effects of breast surgery include: Pain at the site of the incision Swelling and bruising Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement Lymphedema (swelling in the arm) Numbness in the breast or chest Infection Scarring How to Cope With a Breast Cancer Diagnosis? If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be feeling a range of emotions, including shock, fear, sadness, and anger. It’s important to remember that everyone copes with a cancer diagnosis differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Some people find it helpful to talk to a counselor or join a support group. Others find comfort in spending time with family and friends. There are also a number of resources available to help you cope with a breast cancer diagnosis, including the following: American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society offers information and support for people affected by cancer. National Cancer Institute: The National Cancer Institute provides information about cancer treatment, research, and prevention. Breast Cancer Research Foundation: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation funds breast cancer research and provides information about breast cancer. Susan G. Komen: Susan G. Komen is a nonprofit organization that offers support and resources for people affected by breast cancer.

By Rod Ritchie Most cancers are genderless, with the notable exceptions of ovarian, cervical, testicular, and prostate cancers. Why is it, then, that breast cancer is so often thought to be exclusively female, when we all have some amount of breast tissue? With only one percent of new cases in males and other genders, there are often too few of this cohort to enroll in trials, and therefore, we don’t get new drugs tested on us at all. It’s as if we are statistically irrelevant. All this leads to treatment for all other genders based on women's treatment. While this treatment is often very successful, and thankful we should be for the research that created new medications, further research could eliminate a gap in treatment outcomes that was discovered in a recent study. Because awareness among the general population, including clinicians, that breast cancer is specific to women, studies are a start and prove that quality research can inform treatment for the better . A 2018 study of 1482 men by BCRF researcher Dr. Fatima Cardoso, Coordinator, European School of Oncology Breast Cancer Program, shows men are often under-treated with breast cancer . Also, they were much less likely to get breast-conserving surgery after an early-stage diagnosis. They were also less likely to receive endocrine therapy for ER-positive breast cancer, compared to women. Along with her colleagues, Dr. Cardoso has also reported the biological and molecular differences between male and female breast cancers. In recent good news, the FDA has issued a draft guidance document, Male Breast Cancer: Developing Drugs for Treatment. They are now recommending the inclusion of males in breast cancer clinical trials. The final guidance document will help guide companies undertaking clinical development of drugs to treat breast cancer in male patients. This will lead to real change. Advocating For All Stages of Breast Cancer As a Stage III patient advocate working alongside Stage IV advocates for eight years now, I regularly come across the common social media meme: 20-30% of people diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will be re-diagnosed with MBC. I always think, well, that means a 70-80% chance of no regression. Not bad odds. But, as the years rolled by and I lost male and female friends to the disease, I could see that my odds may have been favorable, but without a cure, and having also been treated for aggressive prostate cancer, my prognosis was not so good. Patient advocates living with early-stage breast cancer are often advised to stay in their lane, rather than take up the cause for metastatic patients. At least that was true until recently, when influential advanced breast cancer patients and groups began to see the issue of advocacy sustainability as a problem moving forward. Sustainability is an awkward term, but here it is applied to describe the attrition of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patient advocates, who pass because they’ve run out of lines of treatment. The breast cancer advocate community loses fine advocates all the time. As a second-generation breast cancer patient, one who lost my mother, aged 40, I’m particularly keen to support younger MBC women who have kids. But, I’ve come to know many metastatic patients from an active social media and forum presence, from attending training courses and seminars, and annual conferences like the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. It was metastatic patients who were the patient advocacy movers and shakers. Conversely, while many early-stagers tended to be active whilst undergoing initial treatment, they were more often not so afterward. Pretty soon, my breast cancer pals were mostly MBC folks. And what an informed and active lot they were. We all crave hope; it is the corollary of fear, a natural emotion, and one common to patients of all stages. Whether we like it or not, we are all more or less in this together. As a man with breast cancer, I know this well. Early-stage patients like myself don’t just give practical and moral support; we learn about what might well be our future from MBC folks. But, regardless, we will have the experiences and memories, the advocacy methodology, and the inspiration based on personal relationships to guide us. --- Rod Ritchie is a Sydney-born writer, internet publisher, and breast cancer patient activist, living with breast and prostate cancers. Currently, he’s NED for both. He’s the President of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, is on the board of directors, has a website at MaleBC.org , and you can follow him on Twitter @malefitness His articles for Health Union can be found here: https://advancedbreastcancer.net/author/traveltext

While menopause is a widely known and understood phenomenon, a less commonly discussed but no less difficult experience is that of medical menopause , a potential side effect of breast cancer treatment. Similar in many ways to conventional menopause, it involves the premature arrest of a person’s reproductive cycle, usually in response to chemotherapy, radiation, or ovarian suppression, placing stress on the body and depleting its estrogen. There are a few different causes, which may or may not be permanent. Chemotherapy or Radiation-Driven This type of medical menopause is very person-specific, and may occur in some while not in others. It is thought to be a protective mechanism undertaken by the body in order to keep cancer therapies from harming fertility. In some cases , menopause is transient, and fertility returns after treatments have ended. In other cases, however, menopause is permanent. This is usually the case for people who were already close to menopause, commonly for those age 40 and above. Treatments such as CMF therapy, composed of Cytoxan (cyclophosphomide), Trexall (methotrexate), and Adrucil (5-fluorouracil), or Soltamox (tamoxifen) all may put a patient at a greater risk for medical menopause. Surgical Menopause In some instances, ovary removal (also known as an oophorectomy) or a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is advised for those at risk for breast cancer. There are a few types of hysterectomy, but the most common is a total hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and cervix but not the ovaries. The most common hysterectomy for cancer treatment is a radical hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, cervix, top portion of the vagina, and occasionally surrounding pelvic lymph nodes. In these cases, menopause is surgically and permanently induced as reproductive organs are removed, which may cause an increased number of side effects due to the sudden nature of the procedure. Hormone Therapy Treatments Compounds such as Zoladex (goserelin) and Lupron (leuprolide) are used as treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, and may shut down estrogen production in the uterus as a side effect. Normally, once a person stops taking these therapies, function will return. However, the length of menopause may vary from person to person. Regardless of the cause, medical menopause, specifically in those with breast cancer, tends to be more symptomatic than conventional menopause. The most commonly reported side effects include hot flashes, body pain, vaginal dryness, mood changes, insomnia, weight gain, and headaches. Medical menopause, especially when very premature, can result in significant mental disruption to the person suffering from it. Even so, there are a few studied treatments to help ease the burden medical menopause may bring. Apart from hormone therapies, some antidepressants have been shown to improve hot flashes. Vaginal moisturizers are recommended to combat vaginal dryness, and calcium supplements and other bone density drugs such as zoledronic acid may be used to preserve bone density post-menopause. In terms of lifestyle changes, using natural sleep aids, talking to a mental health professional, or undergoing diet and exercise programs all may improve symptom management. If you are facing medical menopause, it is recommended that you discuss your concerns with a medical professional, as they will be able to best recommend potential treatments or management strategies tailored to your experience. If you would like to share your story regarding medical menopause and breast cancer, we’d love to hear it ! And for those looking for additional support, check out our support groups and other events . We would love to have you there, and we look forward to supporting you throughout your breast cancer journey.

By Nancy Novack, PhD Originally published on Nancy's List For many people with cancer, the costs related to their care can be very distressing. It can take creativity, persistence, and awareness to manage financial stress and difficulties during cancer. But all of us who have been “through the fire” when we receive a cancer diagnosis acquire special skills. We learn how to “mine adversity,” sharpen our perceptions, be open to possibilities, confront reality, and never give up. Financial stress is just an “add-on,” and we can learn how to address it by learning how to navigate the system. The good news is that there are many foundations, corporations, non-profits, and just ordinary great people who are committed to making the cancer experience more affordable and stress-free. Below are some helpful tips for coping with financial stress during cancer, and many resources to help you manage financial concerns. 1. Remember to Breathe — and Keep Breathing When you are first diagnosed, there is often a lot of information to digest and many feelings, such as anxiety, fear, or confusion. When my experience felt overwhelming, I found it was helpful to be as still as I could be and just breathe. It helped me take in the information in a shorter amount of time. If you are beginning to feel overwhelmed, remember to keep breathing. As you continue to make your way through your cancer experience, don’t forget about breathing those big, long breaths. They can help soothe your soul. 2. Tell Your Doctor If You are Concerned About Financial Issues Your treatment facility may have a financial counselor who can help. Always tell your doctor if you aren’t taking your medications because you can’t afford them. Your doctor may be able to prescribe generic medications rather than more costly ones, and they can offer you information about prescription assistance programs where you may be able to get your medications for free. Needy Meds and the Patient Advocate Foundation are both groups I recommend for help with medications and other cancer-related expenses. I just helped a woman who had received a huge, questionable medical bill that was causing her great distress because she couldn’t resolve the problem with her hospital. I suggested that she call the Patient Advocate Foundation, and they were able to start working with her on a solution. 3. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “YES” to Help If friends or family members, especially those who have a little financial savvy and a big dose of commitment to helping, offer their help, say “YES.” They can help you with doing paperwork, analyzing and paying your bills, checking out your insurance , gathering information about payment plans, putting in a claim for disability, and doing some of the other “dirty work” for you. Find out the names of the financial counselor and social worker at your treatment center and make appointments with them. If possible, bring along your “designated friend” who is helping with your financial responsibilities, and ask lots of questions. You can also ask friends and family to check out Nancy’s List and Triage Cancer for help. These websites have lists of many financial resources, both locally and nationally, that are available to you and those who love and care for you. There are many resources available for people with certain types of cancer , such as breast cancer or colorectal cancer; resources for people within minority populations, such as Latinos or LGBTQ+ people; and resources for specific age groups, such as children or young adults . 4. Reach Out to Organizations for Help with Cancer-Related Costs There are organizations, both private and government entities, that can support you with food expenses, dental care, general living expenses, legal resources, co-pays and other medical expenses, vision and hearing care, transportation, travel expenses, lodging, and more. I am especially grateful for the many people who commit to enhancing the quality of our lives during cancer through camps for kids, teens, young adults, and their families, as well as those who sponsor retreats, adventures, and vacations for people with cancer. I am impressed that significant scholarship money is available to teens who have had cancer or have a parent with cancer, as there are many wish-fulfillment organizations for both children and adults. There are many who help out with general living expenses. One of my favorite organizations is Cleaning for a Reason . They will clean your home for free once a month for 4 months while you are in cancer treatment. These groups want to help people who are living with cancer get the best outcome, physically as well as emotionally. It is in that spirit that they offer their hands, hearts, and personal experiences to provide hope to a person with cancer. In the time of COVID, money may be especially tight, and this stress can dominate the healing process. I researched and compiled a list of cancer foundations and support organizations that want to help. The list is very extensive and very fluid, as the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic is always changing. 5. Know You Can Negotiate Your Bills with Providers and Hospitals You have the ability to negotiate a bill with your providers or health care facility. For example, one of my clients came to me, very distressed, holding a huge bill from a hospital in San Francisco where she had received a cancer-related procedure. This young woman was a college student without insurance or funds. I suggested she go to the finance director at the hospital and simply say, “I cannot pay this bill. I am willing to pay you $5 a month for the rest of my life to handle this responsibility.” Both of us were surprised when the director smiled and said, “That’s a deal.” Here’s a personal experience from when I was in active cancer treatment. I had a fancy health insurance plan, but it did not cover many of my treatments. I received statements in the tens of thousands of dollars. After some time, I finally found out that there was a financial assistance program at my hospital, and I negotiated the bills very successfully. You can, too. Don’t forget that negotiating is an option when medical bills arrive. -- Nancy Novack, PhD, is the Founder and Executive Director of Nancy’s List , a non-profit foundation serving the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of people living with cancer and those who love and care for them. Dr. Novack is a clinical psychologist and was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2004. Nancy’s List supports persons who are living with cancer and healing practitioners by sharing resources that complement cancer treatments, mitigate the stresses, and deepen the healing process. The Nancy's List community includes over 20,000 subscribers and 800+ integrative practitioners and holistic healing centers. We offer information about financial assistance, a Directory of Integrative Therapists and Holistic Centers, stories of hope and gratitude, and a book I co-authored entitled I Am With You: Love Letters to Cancer Patients.

A diagnosis of breast cancer can have a profound impact on a person’s life, both physically and emotionally. In addition to undergoing treatment and managing the side effects, many women are also faced with the challenge of maintaining their pelvic health. Pelvic floor disorders, such as incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, are common in women who have had breast cancer due to the damage caused by chemotherapy, injections, surgery, and radiation therapy. These disorders can be both embarrassing and debilitating, making it difficult for women to live their lives to the fullest. While there is no cure for menopause (medical or not), there are ways to manage the symptoms. The Relationship Between Medical Menopause and Pelvic Health Menopause is a significant life event for women that is characterized by the cessation of menstrual periods. While menopause can bring many positive changes, such as improved mood and increased pelvic health, it can also cause some unwanted side effects, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. During menopause, the loss of estrogen can cause these muscles and tissues to weaken. As a woman approaches menopause medically or naturally, she may experience a wide range of symptoms and side effects due to hormonal changes. These symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and pelvic floor prolapse. This can lead to painful intercourse or a loss of interest in sex. In addition, anxiety and depression are common side effects of surgical menopause, which can also affect sexual function. While medical menopause can have a significant impact on a woman's life, it is important to remember that there are treatments available to help manage the side effects and preserve sexual function. In addition, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress reduction, and a healthy diet can also help to alleviate menopausal symptoms. If these measures are not effective, there are also a variety of medical treatments that can be used to manage the symptoms of medical menopause. As every woman experiences menopause differently, it is important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best approach for managing your symptoms. Tips for Maintaining Pelvic Health During Medical Menopause Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help women manage their pelvic health after a breast cancer diagnosis. By working with a pelvic health specialist, physiotherapist/physical therapist, women can develop a customized plan that includes exercises, dietary changes, and other lifestyle modifications. For more serious cases, while controversial, estrogen therapy may be recommended as a final line of treatment. With the right care plan in place, women can maintain their pelvic health and quality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis. The Importance of Maintaining Pelvic Health Pelvic health is important for all women, especially those who are going through medically induced menopause due to breast cancer treatment. There are a number of things that women can do to help maintain pelvic health during this time. First, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight can put strain on the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to prolapse and other problems. Second, women should avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of pelvic floor damage and can also contribute to cancers of the reproductive organs. Third, regular exercise is crucial for pelvic health. Strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor can help to support the organs and prevent prolapse. Finally, it is important to see a doctor for regular checkups. Early detection and treatment of problems are essential for maintaining pelvic health. With proper management, women with medical menopause can live full and healthy lives.

In 2022, there were 3.8 million people who were being treated or had completed treatment for breast cancer in the US (1). After treatment, many people who no longer have evidence of breast cancer will receive follow-up care and monitoring for potential recurrence. Many people with breast cancer are counseled that an estimated 30% of people will experience a recurrence (2). In this post, we’ll share key information about breast cancer surveillance and recurrence. We’ll also discuss the Signatera™ Residual Disease Test, which can help people treated for breast cancer and their doctors stay on the lookout for recurrence. What Does Breast Cancer Surveillance Mean? Breast cancer surveillance refers to the follow-up period after you have finished treatment for breast cancer. Your treatment will depend on the stage and type of your breast cancer and can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, or a combination of these treatments. After treatment, your oncologist will set you up with follow-up care to address any ongoing health concerns and monitor you for any signs that the cancer may be returning. This period of active surveillance following breast cancer treatment usually lasts about 5 years. However, you can remain under surveillance for the rest of your life as long as you continue to receive cancer monitoring tests. What Are My Options for Breast Cancer Surveillance? Your surveillance plan may include physical exams, mammograms, pelvic exams, bone density tests, and/or other imaging or blood tests (3). Your oncologist will determine which of these options is best for you and how often you should receive them. Typically, you will have more frequent exams and tests during the first year of your breast cancer surveillance. After that, these appointments become less frequent if you continue to remain free of evidence of cancer. Find more information about surveillance and follow-up care after breast cancer treatment here . The American Cancer Society also provides helpful printable forms to help you keep track of your follow-up care. How Can I Be Confident In My Breast Cancer Surveillance Plan? During surveillance, you may wonder if your cancer is coming back. About half of breast cancer survivors live with a moderate to severe fear of recurrence (4). This concern can sometimes affect their quality of life. The experience of tapering off care team visits and interactions can also contribute to anxiety about recurrence. Your care team visits may feel few and far between compared to the period during treatment. If you have any concerns about your surveillance plan, it’s crucial to talk to your care team to ensure you have the information you need to feel confident. What Are Signs That My Cancer May Be Coming Back? Sometimes, despite receiving the best available treatment, a person may experience a recurrence of their breast cancer. This happens because a small number of cancer cells survived the initial treatment and grew into a tumor ( 5 ) . Your risk of recurrence depends on the stage and type of breast cancer you had and how it was treated, as well as other factors such as your age at diagnosis (6). Breast cancer recurrence is detected through imaging and/or signs and symptoms. During your surveillance period, if you notice changes in your breast tissue, pain, swollen lymph nodes, or other concerning symptoms, contact your care team. Some people will have a recurrence detected on routine surveillance imaging, such as mammography, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms. These standard detection methods are the most sensitive when the recurrent tumor is large enough to be visible on scans or to cause noticeable symptoms. They are not always able to detect molecular recurrence—the presence of small traces of cancer that can grow into a tumor. What is SignateraTM for Breast Cancer Surveillance? The SignateraTM Residual Disease Test is a personalized blood test developed by Natera to help people with breast cancer and their doctors watch for recurrence. It works by testing your blood for microscopic pieces of tumor DNA called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). When used at regular intervals over time, along with other tests recommended by your doctor, Signatera™ may detect traces of recurring breast cancer ahead of standard tools like imaging. Each Signatera™ test is custom-built for your unique breast cancer using a sample of your original tumor tissue, usually taken from a block of tissue saved during a surgery or biopsy. After your Signatera™ test is designed, you only need to provide a blood sample each time your oncologist orders Signatera™. How Do I Know If Signatera Can Help Me During Surveillance? Signatera™ can provide additional information to inform your surveillance period. Since it works by detecting tiny molecules of your cancer’s DNA, it can help your oncologist determine if traces of cancer are left after treatment or are coming back. Each time you receive a Signatera™ test, your results will show whether ctDNA was detected in your blood. If you receive a positive result, your cancer may be more likely to come back, and you and your doctor can formulate a plan to optimize your care. If you receive a negative result, ctDNA was not detected. If you receive multiple negative results with repeated testing, you are more likely to remain recurrence-free. Signatera™ can be used on a repeated (or serial) basis at a frequency recommended by your doctor (every six months, for example), so it can show if your ctDNA levels change over time. How Can I Receive Signatera™ Testing? Ask your oncologist if Signatera™ can help you. Natera has developed a discussion guide that you can download and use to guide the conversation. The testing process is streamlined and convenient for patients and their clinicians. You can learn more about Signatera™ at natera.com/breastcancer. “ I can take a plan of action. My oncologist can set up a plan for me early on, before it develops into something that's too late to treat. ” – Rachelle, entrepreneur, advocate, and breast cancer survivor “SignateraTM gave me a sense of calm and empowered me with knowledge regarding my potential risk for recurrence . ” – Cynthia, advocate for early detection and breast cancer education, breast cancer survivor Disclaimer Signatera™ has been developed and its performance characteristics determined by the CLIA-certified laboratory performing the test. The test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). CAP accredited, ISO 13485 certified, and CLIA certified. © 2022 Natera, Inc. All Rights Reserved References 1. Key statistics for breast cancer. American Cancer Society. Accessed September 19, 2022. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html 2. Colleoni M et al. Annual Hazard Rates of Recurrence for Breast Cancer During 24 Years of Follow-Up: Results From the International Breast Cancer Study Group Trials I to V. J Clin Oncol . 2016;34(9):927-935. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2015.62.3504 3. Mammograms after breast cancer surgery. Accessed September 19, 2022. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/mammograms/having-a-mammogram-after-youve-had-breast-cancer-surgery.html 4. Gormley M et al. Exploring the effects of genomic testing on fear of cancer recurrence among breast cancer survivors. Psychooncology . 2021;30(8):1322-1331. doi: 10.1002/pon.5679 5. Recurrent cancer. National Cancer Institute. Accessed September 19, 2022. https://www.cancer.gov/types/recurrent-cancer 6. Fillon M. Breast cancer recurrence risk can remain for 10 to 32 years. CA Cancer J Clin . 2022;72(3):197-199. doi: 10.3322/caac.21724

By Kristen Carter It’s so easy when we have breast cancer and when we experience awful side effects to think of ourselves as victims of our circumstances. While it absolutely sucks to get cancer and its side effects, it’s how we think about it – and the actions we take – that can make the difference between feeling like helpless victims or empowered participants in the treatment process. (It’s even true that we choose to be treated; technically, this is up to us.) There’s a construct in psychology called the drama (or victim) triangle that describes the victim situation perfectly. Fortunately, there’s also a positive alternative, which I’ll get to in a moment. First, here’s a little more information about the victim triangle: First, there’s the victim , us, to whom breast cancer happens. Next, there’s the persecutor – the thing or person that causes us to feel victimized - in this case, the breast cancer itself. Finally, there’s a rescuer , who swoops in to help us – in our case, doctors and treatment. You can see how disempowering this scenario is; it removes virtually all sense of personal agency from us. If you ever feel a bit victim-y, here is a new way to think about things. It’s called The Empowerment Dynamic , or TED for short. Developed by consultant and author David Emerald , TED offers us the opportunity to choose our responses to life, regardless of the circumstances. In it: The victim becomes a creator who is aware that they have the capacity to create outcomes and choose how to react to life’s challenges. The challenger , as the antidote to the persecutor, is simply a fact or circumstance that offers the opportunity to respond to and learn from all of life’s experiences. The coach takes over for the rescuer and offers the ability to learn from asking powerful questions without swooping in to fix things for us. The coach can be a friend, an actual coach, or even yourself, using the TED book or workbook . At the heart of the empowerment dynamic is learning to shift from reacting to choosing our response to what happens to us. I first discovered TED in 2018, the year of my metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. It resonated deeply with me because of my cancer, but also because it turned out I’d learned some victim-y behavior from my family. As a result, I made 2019 my ‘year of creativity’ and made something – and posted it to Facebook – every day that year. Sometimes it was as simple as sharing a photo I took of a wildflower, but I did it. It was life-changing. My mindset shifted, and I thought, felt, and behaved differently. I went from occasionally feeling powerless and sorry for myself to feeling more focused on what I wanted to create, that I was dedicated to my continued growth as a person despite my diagnosis, and that I had the choice of how to think about and interpret what happened to me. Instead of giving up and having little energy for positive action, I started taking more responsibility for making choices and then taking steps toward what I wanted to bring about in my life and in the world. After my year of creativity, I even started a weekly newsletter and blog called “So now what?” to share what I’d learned with other people going through challenging circumstances. In 2022, I started writing for Surviving Breast Cancer as well. The result has been more connections with awesome people, a sense of meaning and purpose, and a feeling of accomplishment. I truly wish for you a minimum of feeling helpless in the face of your cancer and all that goes with it, and empowerment within your life. If you have any questions about evolving from a victim to a creator, please email me at kristen@survivingbreastcancer.org . I’d be happy to help.

#FeatureFriday As difficult as it may be to grapple with breast cancer as a patient or a survivor, it’s important to remember that caregivers may also experience their own struggles in trying to manage a breast cancer journey. Whether it’s understanding a new diagnosis, managing lifestyle adjustments, treatment regimens and doctor’s appointments, or grieving a loss, caregivers have their own, often difficult experience with breast cancer, which may come with a variety of different emotions and mental states. At SurvivingBreastCancer.org, we want to help support you through a breast cancer journey- whether you have or had breast cancer, or whether you are or were a caregiver to someone facing breast cancer, we are here for you. In order to help those who may be facing challenges as a cancer caregiver, we’ve compiled a collection of studies, articles, and support resources to bring awareness to some commonly experienced situations and feelings. Two Models of Caregiver Strain and Bereavement Adjustment This article examined two different groups of potential caregivers to those with terminal breast cancer- spouses and adult daughters - and examined how caregivers in these two roles might differ in coping with being a caregiver, as well as how well caregivers were able to manage when their loved one passed. Researchers examined two models of bereavement adjustment before and after caregiving: the Relief Model, which predicts that mental stress would reduce following the end of caregiving responsibilities, and the Complicated Grief Model, which predicts that mental strain would increase following the end of caregiving responsibilities. Overall, they found that regardless of role (spouse or daughter), older caregivers coped better with the loss of a loved one, as measured by anxiety/depression symptoms and resource losses over time. While spouses showed a significant correlation between these metrics and overall coping status following loss of a loved one, daughters did not exhibit a correlation. Overall, these results confirm that caregiver grief is a complicated process, and the experience of it may vary depending on a caregiver’s relation to the person with breast cancer. Read More 6 Tips for Caregivers From People Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer Members of the Breastcancer.org community living with metastatic breast cancer compiled a list of suggestions for those acting as a caregiver to someone with breast cancer. Their suggestions include: Delegating tasks to outside support systems Caring for yourself physically and emotionally Being proactive in medical settings to advocate for your loved one Making room for your loved one’s emotions Creating a communication plan to effectively share and get information Continue to support a life outside of cancer/cancer care If you want to see these suggestions in more detail, Read More Here. Tuning To the Concerns of Caregivers A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2008 by the American Cancer Society , interviewing cancer caregivers across the country. One of their more notable findings was that caregivers who have experienced the loss of their loved one have a particularly hard time coping following the loss. John Schall, CEO of the Washington D.C.-based nonprofit Caregiver Action Network, notes that “‘Intellectually, cancer caregivers know that they’re going to lose their loved one, but they are often still actively engaged in caregiving until the loved one passes’”, which can cause significant emotional upset long after a caregiver begins to grieve. To help caregivers going through this, Schall created the informational and support website helpforcaregivers.org ; other researchers such as health psychologist Hoda Badr at Mount Sinai Hospital, are testing telephone programs for cancer caregivers to prevent burnout and reduce mental strain. Read More Cancer Caregiver Support Groups The James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University regularly holds virtual support and information sessions on a variety of cancer topics. Below are a couple of caregiver-focused sessions that will be held in the near future: Caregivers and Coffee Support Group : This group meets on the second Wednesday of every month, and is a space for cancer caregivers to discuss their stories, experiences, and concerns. Pregregister for the latest upcoming meeting here . Caregiver Grief: Life After Loss Workshop : This workshop will address the unique grieving processes experienced by caregivers, and aims to give strategies and techniques to those facing grief following the loss of a loved one. Register here . Living Well with Cancer as an LGBTQ+ Person: Resources for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers : This monthly seminar provides information on a number of topics relating to cancer and the LGBTQIA+ community. It is open both to cancer survivors and to caregivers, and aims to provide education and coping resources in a welcoming, inclusive space. Register here . For those who are interested in some of The James’s other seminars, their full schedule can be found here. We hope that these resources provide some much needed information and support, specifically in regards to a breast cancer caregiver’s journey. For those looking for additional support, the SurvivingBreastCancer.org app has community discussion boards and private groups so that you can connect with others and get peer to peer support. Also, check out the SurvivingBreastCancer.org caregiver’s support resources here .

By Rod Ritchie A guy is generally blindsided by a breast cancer diagnosis, whether it be early stage or Stage IV. After the initial shock of hearing the word, “sorry to say, you have breast cancer,” I discovered from a wide internet search that most information about the disease was very clearly aimed at women. No surprise here, since we make up less than one percent of new cases. Once I was told the type and stage of cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Stage IIIB , I felt an urgency to learn all I could about treatment and even its prognosis. I ended up on many useful support forums and asked as many questions as possible. At appointments with healthcare professionals, I was sure to take my partner as both a record keeper and a person to ask those questions a patient in shock obviously won’t ask. Social Media After treatment commenced, and the questions mounted up, I found a good place to find further information was with one of the major breast cancer communities, BreastCancer.org , which had hundreds of threads and over 100,000 members. Unfortunately, very few men posted here, but over the years, there has been a storehouse of posts, and these answered many of my questions. There are also male breast cancer Facebook support pages, some private, some public. Man Up to Cancer is a general page for all male cancers, but with a male breast cancer cohort. The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance has a public Facebook page. Both are ready to help newly diagnosed guys with any questions they might have. I am also part of Surviving Breast Cancer’s Private FB group , which is open to those diagnosed (men and women) as well as caregivers. Another Facebook support page recommended to me was Beyond The Pink Moon , a very large community of women and men who have been helping each other for 12 years now. While I didn't find many men here at first, that’s not the case nowadays. Obviously, due to the stigma affecting guys with this disease, they are shy about posting on a predominantly female forum. Genetic Testing A genetic test i s recommended for all men with breast cancer. In my case, since my mother passed away, aged 40, from the disease, it could have been expected that I inherited the disease. It turned out that I had a variation of unknown significance of the BRCA1 gene. This is an ambivalent result of no clinical significance. Treatment Most of the information about treating male breast cancer comes from doctors’ experience with treating female breast cancer. The main treatment for breast cancer in men is surgery to remove the tumor . This is usually a mastectomy because of the small size of the male breast. Chemotherapy is the most common adjuvant treatment after surgery, and your oncologist will work out a regimen that best suits your type and stage. Radiation can also be used as adjuvant therapy. Male breast reconstruction is almost always performed as a “delayed” procedure, after completion of all other breast cancer treatments. You may be lucky enough to be assigned to a breast care nurse at your hospital. Whilst these expert nurses are more commonly dealing with women, I found they really were a great source of information and support for guys as well. Finally, the hormone-blocking drug, Tamoxifen, is prescribed for at least five years. Men generally have a poorer prognosis because of their reluctance to see a doctor in a timely fashion. And when they do present, their health practitioners are often not thinking of breast cancer as a possible diagnosis. There is also no screening program for men, even for those with a genetic predisposition to the disease. And mainstream breast cancer charities are not pushing hard enough the message that men can get this disease too. Don’t fall into this cohort, know your risk, check yourself, and present to your primary care provider in a timely fashion. --- Rod Ritchie is a Sydney-born writer, internet publisher, and breast cancer patient activist, living with breast and prostate cancers. Currently, he’s NED for both. He’s the president of Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance and on the board of directors, has a website at MaleBC.org , and you can follow him on Twitter @malefitness His articles for Health Union can be found here: https://advancedbreastcancer.net/author/traveltext

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with an estimated 2.1 million new cases a year. In fact, 1 in 8 women worldwide will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime, and for women with disabilities , that number is even higher- and a serious public health concern. Though these statistics are sobering, there is good news: thanks to early detection and improved treatment options, the death rate from breast cancer has been steadily declining over the past few decades. For women with physical disabilities, getting a mammogram – which is currently one of the methods for detecting breast cancer early – can be a challenge. This is because many mammography machines are not designed to accommodate people with disabilities, and even when they are, the process of getting a mammogram may be more uncomfortable, difficult, or entirely impossible, based on the resources available at a given mammography site. Here, we’ll break down why it might be more difficult for those with disabilities to get screened, and some resources that may help to make the screening process easier. Firstly, What is Breast Cancer Screening? For any person, but more commonly for cisgender women and people who have a uterus, the potential for breast cancer is a reality of life. Many manage this by getting breast screenings regularly, often via mammography . This common exam involves taking an X-ray of the breast to find any potential cancerous tissue that would not have otherwise been detected. Mammography, summarized, is the process of using low-dose X-rays to examine breast tissue for early detection of breast cancer. The X-rays are used to create images of the breast, which are then read by a radiologist. There are two kinds : breast screening mammograms are used to detect breast cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease, while diagnostic mammograms are used to evaluate breast changes that have been found on a screening mammogram or to investigate breast symptoms, such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge. While mammograms might seem uncomfortable and inconvenient, most people are able to get one without any issues. However, for some people, such as those with disabilities, getting a mammogram is not always easy ; this can have long-term consequences on health if not adequately addressed. Why Does a Disability Make it More Difficult to Get Screened? Breast cancer screening participation rates are lower among women with disabilities than among women without disabilities. There are a number of reasons why mammograms can be difficult for people with disabilities. For example, some people with mobility impairments may have difficulty getting onto the exam table. Many people with disabilities have difficulty getting to and from medical appointments. This can be due to a lack of accessible transportation or because they need assistance from someone else in order to get to their appointment. People with disabilities face both financial and non-financial barriers to access that may result in delayed detection and increased risk of poorer outcomes from breast cancer. Providers require education about working with women with disabilities. Others may have sensory processing disorders that make it difficult to tolerate the touch and pressure of the exam. And still others may have cognitive impairments that make it difficult to understand and follow the instructions during the exam. Finally, some people with disabilities may not receive the same level of education as those without disabilities about the importance of breast cancer screenings and other preventive health measures. This can make it difficult for them to understand the importance of getting screened and make informed decisions about their health care. These difficulties can lead to missed or delayed breast screenings, which can in turn lead to higher rates of breast cancer for people with disabilities. In one study , for example, women with physical disability had a 1.3 times lower odds of having a mammography done compared to women without a physical disability. This is not a problem unique to breast cancer- many different diseases are less commonly screened for in those with both mental or physical disabilities. There are a few hypothesized and documented reasons for this, including inaccessible exam rooms/equipment, not having a car or reliable transportation, issues with the cost of care, a lack of external support systems, a lack of education on the importance of cancer screenings, or a decreased priority on breast screening when compared to managing a pre-existing condition. Regardless of the reason, however, in a UK-based study , disabled women were up to 50% less likely to get screened for breast cancer, while in the US, the CDC reports that there are 10% fewer women who have received a mammogram between 2008-2010 when compared to women without disabilities. In every U.S. state and territory, there is a disparity between disabled and non-disabled women in rates of mammography, with disabled women. Given that mammography is one of the main ways that early-stage breast cancers are discovered, and generally speaking, the earlier a cancer is discovered, the more likely it is to be managed successfully, the fact that fewer disabled women/uterus-owners are getting mammograms indicates that they are at a greater risk for future complications related to breast cancer. Especially given that being a disabled woman, in general, will hinder access to healthcare , not only related to breast screening, the limited availability and accessibility of mammograms to disabled individuals often negatively impact the health of those affected. Health Literacy and Breast Cancer Health literacy is the ability to read, understand, and use health information. It is an important factor in understanding the importance of breast cancer screenings and other preventive health measures. Low health literacy often results in difficulty understanding and using health information, whether it is for one’s own care or for that of a loved one. This can make it difficult for people to make informed decisions about their health care. There are a few things that can be done to improve health literacy at the provider level: one is to provide clear and concise information about breast cancer screenings and other preventive health measures. Another is to use plain language when providing this information, and provide patients with opportunities to ask questions and get clarification about what they have read or heard. This can help ensure that they understand the information and can make informed decisions about their health care. Improving access to breast cancer screenings for women with disabilities is an important step in ensuring that all women have a chance to receive the screenings they need. By removing barriers and providing clear and concise information, we can help ensure that all women have the chance to receive the screenings they need and improve their health. Publications such as the Disability and Health Journal , and regular, national-level screening programs such as the National Health Interview Survey are great sources of information on healthcare issues related to disability. How Can Health Providers Support Someone with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities When They are Getting a Mammogram? There are several ways that health providers can make breast cancer screening more accessible for people with disabilities. One way is to use adaptive equipment that can help people with physical disabilities position themselves correctly for a mammogram. Another way is to provide support during the mammogram itself, such as by helping to position the person or by providing verbal cues. Finally, it is important to make sure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities understand what is happening during the mammogram and why it is important to get one. This can be done by using clear and concise language, providing visual aids, and taking the time to answer any questions that the person may have. If you are a healthcare provider who works with people with disabilities, we urge you to take advantage of these resources to make breast cancer screening more accessible for your patients. By doing so, you can help ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to detect breast cancer early and improve their chances of survival. What are Some Steps We Can Take? There are some concrete steps that can be taken to make mammograms more accessible for people with disabilities. For example, accommodations can be made for people with mobility impairments, such as providing a ramp or lift to get onto the exam table. Sensory processing disorder can be accommodated by providing headphones or other noise-canceling devices to reduce the impact of the sound of the machine. And clear and concise instructions can be given to people with cognitive impairments to help them understand and follow what they need to do during the exam. While these accommodations can make a mammogram more accessible, it is important to remember that they are not always perfect. For example, a ramp or lift may not be available at all mammogram locations. And even when accommodations are available, they may not be used properly or may not be enough to make the exam accessible for all people with disabilities. What Resources are Currently Available for Someone Living with a Disability to Get Breast Cancer Screening? There has been a growing focus on breast screening services for those living with a disability. The CDC has compiled a collection of state and national programs that aim to support those with disabilities in getting access to cancer screening. Here are a few highlighted programs: “Every Woman Matters” - A multimedia exhibit highlighting the breast cancer journeys of Montana residents living with a disability. Additionally, the Montana Mammography Directory lists places within the state where mammograms can be found. Mammography Accessibility Project - Created by the Oregon Office on Disability and Health, this web resource lists locations within the state where accessible mammograms can be found The Right to Know Campaign - This CDC initiative aims at increasing awareness for the importance of mammography for disabled individuals within the U.S. It features breast cancer stories from disabled women, as well as informational resources. Mammography Van - Run by Dana Farber Cancer Institute , the Mammography Van is a mobile, digital mammography location that visits communities in the greater Boston area to increase the availability of screening to those who might not be able to travel far for one. The schedule is regularly updated and can be found here . Find a Mammogram Near You - The FDA created a website that allows you to search for a mammography location in your area. For those who are looking for a site, this is a great place to start. However, it is recommended that you call ahead to find out more details about the kinds of accessible measures available. There are a Few Ways in Which People with Disabilities can Advocate for Breast Cancer Screenings: - Firstly, it’s important to be aware of the resources that are available to you (which we listed above). Knowing what is available to you and how to access it is key to ensuring that you get the care that you need. - Secondly, reach out to your local disability community and see if there are any initiatives or programs already in place that you can get involved in. If not, see if there is interest in starting something up! - Finally, spread the word about the importance of breast cancer screenings for disabled individuals. Talk to your friends, family, and peers about why this issue is important too. Take Action As we’ve discussed above, while mammograms are the most common breast screening for cancer, they can be difficult or even impossible for some women with disabilities to get. This can lead to problems such as late detection, decreased survival rates, or cancer-related death. We know that early detection saves lives, which is why it is so important that we work towards increasing the accessibility of screening tools for those facing disabilities. There are many organizations working to make breast cancer screenings more accessible for all women, but there is still more work to be done. We hope that these resources explain the intricacies of disabilities and breast cancer screenings a bit further, specifically in regard to your breast cancer journey. If you are a disabled individual or know someone who is, we urge you to take advantage of the resources that are available to you. Getting a breast cancer screening is an important step in taking control of your health. And for those looking to get involved in the movement to improve access to screenings for disabled individuals, there are many ways to get involved and make your voice heard! Together, we can make sure that no one gets left behind in the fight against breast cancer. Do you have a breast cancer story and experience living with a disability that you would like to share? Please reach out to us – we would love to hear from you ! For more information and resources on breast cancer, please visit our website at SurvivingBreastCancer.org.

When you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, there's a lot to consider. The physical, emotional, and mental health needs can be overwhelming. The emotional concerns — like dealing with the stress of a diagnosis, accessing financial and legal resources, and worrying about how you can continue to care for yourself and your family — are as impactful as the physical ones. Both can affect your ability to cope and follow a treatment plan. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to (hopefully) ease a challenging situation. Many of the suggestions come directly from those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, oncologists, nurses, and social workers. Some are practical, while others are designed to lift your spirits. Get Specifics About Your Diagnosis and Treatment Plan Learning you have breast cancer can be daunting. However, obtaining as much information as possible will help you make decisions about your care. Even if you’re initially in shock, eventually, you’ll have many questions. Write any questions you have in a notebook or record a memo on your phone; this way, you can refer to them at your appointment. Then, take notes on the answer your medical team provides. It’s difficult to grasp all the information your medical team is sharing with you. If possible, take a friend or family member to your appointments who can act as your advocate. It may be helpful for this person to also take notes. We also recommend requesting a copy of their pathology report and treatment plan to review at home. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to clarify anything you don’t understand. It’s okay to say, “I’m sorry, could you please explain that again?”, “Could you write that down for me?”, or "How do you spell that?" Friends in our breast cancer community often wish they had asked more questions during their initial appointments, which is why we’ve put together the top list of questions to ask your breast cancer oncologist, radiologist , and surgeon . Seek Help To Navigate Financial Issues The added burden of worrying about your financial situation can impede your ability to cope and heal. Hospitals and clinics have social workers, patient navigators, and financial services departments that can help you manage financial concerns and deal with private insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid. A healthcare provider, such as your physician, nurse, or social worker, may have information on financial resources. Most hospitals and treatment centers have financial counselors. They can help you with the details of your insurance paperwork and give you an estimate of the cost of your treatment. Financial counselors can also help you work out a payment plan. If you are unable to pay, some places may be willing to reduce or waive some costs if you ask. Hospital discharge planners, patient service offices, nurse navigators, and patient navigators may also have information on resources and advice about financial matters. For questions about your insurance policy, state insurance agencies and insurance companies can be helpful. No matter your income, you may qualify for financial aid from federal, state, or local programs. A financial counselor at your hospital can help you learn about these programs. Many organizations offer financial assistance and help with travel, lodging, and medical items, including prescription drugs. Some are listed below: Affordable Care Act (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services): Find information on choosing a health insurance plan and the Affordable Care Act. A.M. Best: Find official insurance company ratings. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) : Find detailed information on Medicare and other health insurance programs for people over 50, or call 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277) American Cancer Society : Understanding Financial and Legal Matters: Find information on financial topics. Call 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) for more information. HealthWell Foundation : The HealthWell Foundation is a national non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to insured Americans who struggle to meet their out-of-pocket costs for medical treatments. Email them at grants@healthwellfoundation.org , or call at (800) 675-8416. At SBC, we have articles related to finances, so be sure to check out these resources as well. Incorporate Exercise If you’re not already exercising, include it in your routine. Gentle exercise — like walking, yoga, tai chi, swimming, or water aerobics — is vital for the mental and physical effects of treatment. In addition, some patients claim that regular exercise helps with the mental fogginess that affects some during and after chemotherapy, known as “chemo brain.” Gradually increasing exercise after treatment can also help improve fatigue and rebuild muscle tone. It might even help with long-term cancer remission- a study published in 2021 found that women who exercised regularly both before and after treatment had a better long-term prognosis and increased survival. If you’re looking for ways to stay active during or after your breast cancer treatment, SBC has a twice-monthly Movement Monday class- we’d love to see you there! Anticipate Possible Physical Changes Treatment may cause physical changes, which can be different for everybody. Prepare yourself to deal with any changes. Ask your healthcare provider what may change. For example, medicines may make you lose your hair. Seeking the advice of experts about clothing or wigs may help you feel more comfortable as you go through treatment. Insurance will often pay for wigs. Take Things One Day at a Time We realize this can be easier said than done, but cancer treatment and recovery are a process. Try to take things one day at a time to make life more manageable and reduce your stress. Find Your People Community is vitally important when dealing with cancer and treatments. Having a support network that you can rely on can help you cope. Identify those people you can count on when you need support, and realize that some people are better at delivering practical help while others are best at giving emotional support. Although the support of your loved ones is essential, it can be challenging for people who don’t have breast cancer to understand how you’re feeling. It can help to talk with people who have faced similar challenges. Other survivors can share their stories and give insight into what to expect. Knowing long-term survivors can help you realize that breast cancer doesn’t automatically mean you’re doomed. Online breast cancer support groups, like Surviving Breast Cancer’s global community , ensure you’re never alone. Instead, you’re surrounded by others who have been touched by breast cancer and are generous with their stories. Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness has many well-documented benefits , including helping people cope with cancer. Cancer and cancer treatments can be extremely stressful. The practice of mindfulness includes breathing techniques and guided imagery. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and calm your mind to help you feel more peaceful. You can start mindfulness by setting aside one minute to slow down and breathe: Find a quiet spot where you can be alone for a few minutes. Sit down, take a deep breath, and close your eyes. Notice your breath. Other thoughts will pop up in your mind at some point (usually pretty quickly). That’s okay! Just bring your attention back to your breath. Focus on your breathing right here, right now. Rely on Experts The internet is a wonderful tool for research, but there’s a lot of misleading and false information. So it’s vital to find trustworthy sources. Pay attention to who owns the website and select advice from credible sources. If something piques your interest, discuss it with your doctor. There are hundreds of ongoing clinical trials of many new breast cancer therapies; a list of NIH-funded trials can be found here . Allow Yourself Bad Days You’re allowed to have bad days. Some days, you might just feel frustrated, angry, or down. That’s okay. Give yourself a break. Talk to Someone Receiving a cancer diagnosis and going through treatment is a lot to handle, and it’s not surprising that you might feel engulfed in emotions. It might be a good idea to seek help from a psychologist or social work counselor after your diagnosis or any time you need someone to talk to during or after treatment. They can help you address and work through your feelings and guide you to help you cope. Be Your Own Advocate You know your body better than anyone. If something feels off, speak up. Finding a doctor who will listen to your concerns and take them seriously is critical. It can save your life! It may also be beneficial to get multiple professional opinions to see if there is an alternate treatment course that may be better for you. Don’t be afraid to get a second, or even a third opinion, to get as much information as possible. Be Kind to Yourself Everyone responds differently to treatment. Recovery can take longer than you expected, and you may also have to deal with side effects from your treatment. Your care team can help you set realistic expectations for how long your recovery might take and when you might feel more like yourself again. Conserve Your Energy for the Things That Matter Most Realistically, there may be days during your treatment when you feel lousy and experience low energy. Save your energy for things that bring joy to your life, and aim for a moment of joy each day. It can be something really simple, like watching a video of your child laughing or a photo of a special moment in your life. Count On Us for Information, Resources, and Support Surviving Breast Cancer is by your side every day, every month, and every year. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer , are navigating survivorship, or are the loved one of someone experiencing breast cancer, you can count on Surviving Breast Cancer to keep you informed. We provide educational information to help you better understand symptoms, testing, treatment options , surgery, etc., and podcasts that feature professionals, advocates, and caregivers who share valuable information. Our global online community not only offers opportunities to connect with others for safe, judgment-free, peer-to-peer support but also ensures that you’re never alone. We also offer healing workshops and mindful movement classes ; you can join any of our groups . Contact us today to learn more about or benefit from our services.

If chemotherapy — a powerful drug used to kill cancer cells — has been prescribed as part of your treatment, you may wonder what to expect. Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells and prevents tumor growth. But unfortunately, it can also damage healthy cells, which can cause side effects. You may know someone who’s experienced chemo and had side effects, or have seen references to how it affects people. Remember that everyone’s response to chemotherapy is different — some people seem unaffected, while others may find it challenging. While everyone may react differently, learning about what others have experienced and what helped can be beneficial and reassuring. Continue reading for tips others found helpful. Chemotherapy Care Tips 1. Organize a Support Network Gather family and friends who can help out — providing emotional or practical support — during your treatment. Having a network of people who can take care of things, whether driving you to and from your chemo appointments or doing the laundry, will give you peace of mind. 2. Ask Questions Being fearful and anxious about chemo is not unusual, so don’t hesitate to ask your care team questions. They will do their best to answer all your questions and put you at ease. 3. Wear Comfortable Clothing Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is the best option, especially if you have a port, a small device implanted under your skin, allowing direct access to your veins. 4. Take Things To Keep You Comfortable and Occupied Having things you enjoy and keep you busy can help pass the time and take your mind off things during your treatment. For example, bring a book, an e-reader, or magazines if you like to read. Coloring books or crossword puzzles can help pass the time as well. Patients also recommend bringing lip balm and skin moisturizer to combat the dry air sometimes found in treatment centers. Warm fuzzy socks can keep your feet warm, especially if you want to take off your shoes during treatment. Some treatment centers will also let you bring lunch , snacks, or drinks. 5. Hydrate Before and After Another recommendation from medical teams and patients is to ensure that you’re adequately hydrated the day before and after a chemo treatment. It’s recommended that you drink water or non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages. Drinking adequate water before treatment prepares your body for dehydration, one of the effects of chemotherapy. Consuming lots of fluids the day after helps flush the chemo out of your system. 6. Share All Medications You Take With Your Oncologist Some medications, including over-the-counter supplements, vitamins and herbal medications, can interact with chemotherapy drugs. By making your oncologist aware of what you’re taking, they can make any adjustment to your chemo dosage if necessary. 7. Get Rest One of chemotherapy's most common side effects is fatigue. So, even though you may want to push through, get plenty of rest. This side effect is usually cumulative and takes longer to recover as your treatments go on. It may take time to regain your regular energy levels, so be patient and don’t push yourself too hard, even if you feel good. 8. Eat When Possible Another frequent effect of chemo for many is appetite loss and nausea, so eat when you can to keep up your strength. Many patients going through chemo report that food may taste different and may have a metallic aftertaste during and after chemo. Most cancer centers have a nutritionist who can help ensure you get enough nutrition. Ask your treatment team if this may be an option. 9. Seek Help for Nausea and Vomiting It’s not uncommon for patients receiving chemo to experience nausea during and after chemotherapy. Obtain a nausea medication prescription, get it filled before you start chemotherapy, and ask your treatment team if you should take it before treatments, so you’re prepared before nausea occurs. Also, if you feel sick, let the chemotherapy nurses know immediately. There are various nausea-prevention medications, so if yours isn’t working, ask your doctor if you can try a different one. It may take some time to find the one that suits you best. Some people have found nausea relief from getting fresh air, mints or gum, ginger chews, or popsicles. 10. Prepare for Hair Loss Although it doesn’t happen to everyone, most cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy are subject to hair loss. Some people lose hair gradually, while others lose it quickly in large clumps. Hair loss depends on the specific type and dosage of chemo you receive. Your doctor and healthcare team can give you an idea of what to expect before you begin treatment. If you do expect to lose your hair, grabbing hats and beanies is a good idea to keep your head warm. 11. Try To Stay Positive Fear of the unknown can send your mind spiraling out of control. We know it’s easier said than done, but seeking out the positives in your life can go a long way to keep your spirits high. Everyone’s Experience Is Different Your chemotherapy experience won’t be exactly the same as others. Some people undergoing chemo will go about their daily routine as usual, while others find themselves in bed. But hopefully, the suggestions and workarounds patients and providers have shared will help you handle the effects of chemo better. Count On Us for Information, Resources, and Support Surviving Breast Cancer is by your side every day, every month, and every year. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer , are navigating survivorship, or are the loved one of someone experiencing breast cancer, you can count on Surviving Breast Cancer to keep you informed. We provide educational information to help you better understand symptoms, testing, treatment options , surgery, etc., and podcasts that feature professionals, advocates, and caregivers who share valuable information. Our global online community not only offers opportunities to connect with others for safe, judgment-free, peer-to-peer support but also ensures that you’re never alone. We also offer healing workshops and mindful movement classes . Contact us today to learn more about or benefit from our services.

By Rod Ritchie Why a man might worry about breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is a fair question. For women, on the other hand, breasts are more often an essential part of their identity, help stimulate sexual desire, and serve a practical role in feeding their baby. When I was diagnosed, my main thought was having cancer that I didn’t think men got, while coming to terms with the fact that I even had breasts. When I asked my surgeon later why I wasn’t offered reconstruction after my breast surgery, she seemed surprised. While it is possible to rebuild a facsimile of a guy’s breast, she explained, the lack of extra material makes it harder and actually inhibits the surgeon who really has to work hard to remove the affected tissue, since cancer often travels further in male breasts. Impact of Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment Being happy to have my cancer removed meant I put aside the thought of post-treatment aesthetics. I was treated through winter, and baring my chest was the last thing on my mind. When I emerged in spring, bald from chemotherapy, scarred from breast surgery , and burnt from radiation , I felt anything but normal. For some reason, I thought that my mastectomy scar would lay flat against my chest. I yearned for normality in my body and was disappointed when I finally healed elsewhere, but I was left with a scar and a concave depression where my left breast used to be. With summer approaching, I was wondering what sort of looks I might get at the pool or on the beach. Reconstruction I never pursued reconstruction, but, six years post-treatment, I often think that it’s something I should have considered. I know lots of guys with breast cancer, but not so many who’ve had breast reconstruction. I’ve learned from the excellent Breast Advocate app , (which provides impartial, evidence-based information and recommendations to suit individuals, regardless of gender) that men have several options available to them. The Male Breast Cancer Coalition survey of men found that half of the guys were offered reconstruction, yet only 7% of them chose it. Of those who did, 73% were happy with the result, while 87% indicated they were not interested in considering the procedure in the future. (1) However, reproducing a facsimile of your removed breast or breasts is possible. Realistic results will depend on the skill of the surgeon, and the task is often performed by an onco-plastic surgeon. Breastcancer.org provides a great list of questions to ask beforehand including: (2) How many men have you reconstructed? What type of reconstruction is best for me? What will my breast look like following reconstruction? How will my reconstructed feel to touch? How will aging affect my reconstructed breast? Embrace your decision Only you need to be happy with the decision you make, and it’s obviously a personal one based on so many factors. While I chose to stay flat, and although I’m quite happy to bare my chest in public these days, I was amused when my young grandkids asked what happened to my chest. I said, “I was in a sword fight.” “Cool,” they replied. What has been your experience with reconstruction? Learn More: 10 Myths & Facts About Male Breast Cancer Resources for Male Breast Cancer Patients Genderless Breast Cancer Research The Stigma Surrounding Male Breast Cancer References: Cure. Reconstruction Is an Option for Male Breast Cancer. Available at: https://www.curetoday.com/view/reconstruction-is-an-option-for-male-breast-cancer . Accessed on Jan 05 21. BreastCancer.org. Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Breast Reconstruction. Available at: https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction/questions-to-ask . Accessed on Jan 05 21. Author bio: Rod Ritchie is a Sydney-born writer, internet publisher, and breast cancer patient activist, living with breast and prostate cancers. Currently, he’s NED for both. He’s President, Board of Directors, Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, has a website at MaleBC.org and you can follow him on Twitter @malefitness . His articles for Health Union can be found here . SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Kristen Carter When Dawn Oswald was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2008, her first impulse was to get on with treatment as quickly as possible so she could keep working as an occupational therapy assistant. “ Most of my life, I put people first. It’s my caring nature,” she said. After chemo and a month of radiation, she was back on the job. She took medication for ten years to prevent the cancer from recurring, and so she could keep working. “I just needed to go back to work to help my patients get better,” she explained. Meanwhile, she raised four children. It was only ten years later, when Dawn was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer , that she “took another look at life” and put herself first. Over the past five years, she has treated herself and her husband to multiple trips, including three times to Hawaii and multiple cruises. She even bought a house on a beach, where she can sit on the front porch and see the water and watch the boats go by, which brings her peace. She rests when she needs to and lives one day at a time. Women Tend to be the World’s Helpers Dawn is not alone in her focus on helping others. Women are, on average, more focused on “other-concern,” according to studies reported by LibreTexts™ , and “are more likely than men to help in situations that involve long-term nurturance and caring, particularly within close relationships” such as families and friendships. Women are also more likely than men to engage in occupations and community behaviors such as volunteering or helping families. In most, if not all, countries, women are socialized to take care of others. In addition to work, most women manage their children and family obligations. An increasing number of women also care for their aging parents. Around the world, women do an average of three times as much unpaid care work as men, according to international consulting group McKinsey & Company . In the U.S., even among women who earn the majority of their household’s income, 43 percent of women who are primary household income earners continue to do all or most of the household work , compared with only 12 percent of men. In some countries, like India, women do almost ten times as much unpaid care work as men. The challenge for women is even greater thanks to the economic fallout from COVID-19; in the U.S., for example, the amount of time women spend on household responsibilities increased by 1.5 to 2 hours per day, according to a study by men-care.org . Changing the Paradigm Some of the solutions to these problems rest at the national, state, community, and company levels. But there are steps you can take to reclaim time spent helping others that you can use to nurture yourself Research shows that taking time for yourself is good not just for you but also for your family and your workplace. If you’re burnt out or have lost interest in your career or family, it’s not good for anyone. Ideas for Self-Care Here are a dozen ways you might prioritize yourself and your health: Write yourself a forgiveness letter, absolving yourself of any guilt you feel over not prioritizing yourself more in the past. Start with a clean, positive slate. Begin to make yourself the priority, even if it’s only for a small amount of time every day. Stop beating yourself up . Silence that critical inner voice that says you have to be perfect. Think of yourself as the type of person who is kind and gentle with herself. Do something, even something tiny, that will make you feel good each day. Make time to rest. Even a few minutes of deep breathing will help. Get a good night’s sleep . Experts recommend avoiding screens before bed, keeping your room as dark as possible, and going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day. Start meditating . Just five minutes can make a massive difference. If five is too many, start with one minute where you breathe slowly and calm your mind. If thoughts pop up, imagine putting them in balloons and letting them float away. Exercise . Go for a walk. Stretch. Join a friend or family member for a walk-and-talk. If you have kids, join them for something fun and physical. Begin planning a future vacation. Half the fun is in the planning. Ask a family member or colleague who also struggles with self-care to be your accountability buddy and keep each other accountable for finding “me time.” Keep a self-care journal – simply jot down what you did to care for yourself and how it made you feel. If you keep one, add it to your habit tracker. Or simply stick it on a post-it note where you’ll see it daily. Learn to say no. A no to requests for help from others is the same as saying YES to yourself. You could try something like, “I’d like to help you, but right now I need to take care of myself.” Chances are, the other person will not only accept your explanation but respect you for it. Start small. Pick one thing from the list and try it for a few days. See what happens. Build on what works and learn from what doesn’t. Research shows that making tiny changes you can stick with is more successful than attempting lofty goals. Last Words Ignoring your own needs shows others that it’s okay with you. Choose instead to show your family and colleagues that you value yourself and your health enough to set limits on what you’ll give away and what you protect for your precious self. “It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with Stage 4 that I realized I needed to take care of me ,” Dawn said. “I even continued working for 15 months before I officially retired. Yes, it was hard at first, but I’m good now and enjoying my life.” Learn more: Dealing with the Stress of Having Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) I Live a Little More This is My Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Story Self-Love Comes First Author bio: Kristen Carter is a certified coach with a background in communications. She was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer in 2008 and metastatic breast cancer in 2018. Writing for SBC — sharing tools that help her and others cope and thrive — is a creative outlet for her and one that gives her a sense of meaning and purpose. She can be reached at kristen@survivingbreastcancer.org . SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

What is the gold standard for breast cancer treatment? How do the breast cancer treatments approved by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guide physicians and their patients? What are the differences between urban and rural communities when it comes to breast cancer standard of care? It's important to note that the guidelines below are intended to be used as a reference and should be tailored to each individual's needs and risk factors. Healthcare providers should discuss screening and prevention options with their patients to make informed decisions together. In this blog, we are going to address some of these burning questions. What are the NCCN Guidelines? The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines are evidence-based treatment recommendations for breast cancer that provide the most up-to-date information and best practices for the diagnosis and management of cancer, including breast cancer. The NCCN offers breast cancer guidelines in three forms: Breast cancer screening and risk assessment, Breast cancer treatment, and Breast cancer survivorship care. Breast Cancer Screening and Risk Assessment The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) provides guidelines for breast cancer screenings and risk assessment. These guidelines are based on the latest research and are intended to assist healthcare providers in making decisions about the best approach to breast cancer screening and prevention. Here are some key points from the NCCN guidelines: Breast cancer screening should begin at age 40 for women of average risk. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need to begin screening earlier or have more frequent screening. Mammography is the preferred method of breast cancer screening for women of average risk. However there are additional screening modalities such as Tomosynthesis, or 3D mammograms, Contrast-Enhanced Mammograms, Ultrasound, and MRI. Breast MRI may be used in addition to mammography for women with a high risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer risk assessment should be performed for all women to determine their risk level. Risk factors that increase a woman's risk of breast cancer include age, family history of breast cancer, personal history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations, and other factors. Women at high risk of breast cancer may benefit from risk reduction strategies, such as chemoprevention or prophylactic surgery. Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelines The "standard of care" for a breast cancer diagnosis varies depending on the severity and stage of the disease, as well as the patient's unique situation. Examples of breast cancer patients' unique situations can include their age, health history, activity level, genetic predisposition to breast cancer, and the type of breast cancer they have. What are breast cancer treatment options? The NCCN breast cancer treatment guidelines provide the latest information on breast cancer treatments for early and advanced stages of breast cancer. Early-stage breast cancer typically includes localized breast cancers, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive breast cancer of any size with no evidence of spread to lymph nodes. Treatment options may include breast-conserving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or hormone therapy. Advanced breast cancer typically includes breast cancers that have spread to other parts of the body or are resistant to standard treatments. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, targeted therapies (such as monoclonal antibodies), immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy. It's important to note that the best breast cancer treatment will depend on the individual patient and their specific diagnosis. The NCCN breast cancer treatment guidelines provide information about breast cancer types and recommended treatments for each type. However, it is important for patients to discuss all available treatment options with their health care provider to make an informed decision together. NCCN Guidance for Specific Breast Cancer Subtypes The type of breast cancer should be taken into account when choosing treatments. There are different types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), among others. Each type of breast cancer may have different characteristics and respond differently to treatment. Therefore, the choice of treatment should be based on the specific type of breast cancer a person has. For example, hormonal therapy is typically recommended for women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, as these cancers grow in response to estrogen or progesterone. Chemotherapy may be recommended for women with aggressive or high-risk breast cancers, such as triple-negative breast cancer. Women with HER2-positive breast cancer may be treated with targeted therapies, such as Herceptin. What is the Standard Treatment for Stage 1 Breast Cancer? Here are some key points from the NCCN guidelines for the standard treatment of stage 1 breast cancer: Surgery: The standard treatment for stage 1 breast cancer is surgical removal of the tumor. The type of surgery recommended may depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's preference and other factors. Options include breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy. Radiation Therapy: Following breast-conserving surgery, radiation therapy is typically recommended to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Radiation therapy may not be necessary after mastectomy unless there are certain high-risk features of the tumor. Hormonal Therapy: If the tumor is hormone receptor-positive, hormonal therapy may be recommended to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Hormonal therapy may be given for several years and can include drugs such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be recommended for some women with stage 1 breast cancer, particularly if the tumor is larger or there are other high-risk features. The decision to recommend chemotherapy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider and may depend on factors such as age, overall health, and other individual factors. What is the Standard of Care for Triple - Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)? Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that is negative for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Due to its aggressive nature and lack of targeted therapies, the standard of care for TNBC differs from other types of breast cancer. Here are some key points about the standard of care for TNBC: Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: TNBC is often treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which is chemotherapy given before surgery. This approach can shrink the tumor and make it more likely to be surgically removed. Surgery: Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery is typically recommended to remove any remaining tumor. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is often recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. Clinical Trials: Due to the lack of targeted therapies for TNBC, participation in clinical trials is often recommended for patients with TNBC. Immunotherapy: Some patients with TNBC may be eligible for treatment with immunotherapy, which is a type of therapy that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) provides guidelines for breast cancer survivorship care. These guidelines are intended to assist healthcare providers in managing the long-term health and well-being of breast cancer survivors. Here are some key points from the NCCN guidelines on breast cancer survivorship: Survivorship Care Plan: All breast cancer survivors should receive a survivorship care plan, which is a document summarizing the treatments received and outlining a plan for ongoing care and monitoring. Surveillance: Breast cancer survivors should receive regular surveillance for recurrence and new primary breast cancers. The frequency and type of surveillance may depend on the stage and characteristics of the original breast cancer. Late and Long-Term Effects: Breast cancer survivors may experience late and long-term effects of treatment, including lymphedema, cognitive dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Healthcare providers should screen for and manage these effects as needed. Healthy Lifestyle: Breast cancer survivors should be encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use. Psychological Support: Breast cancer survivors may experience psychological distress related to their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare providers should offer psychological support and referral to mental health professionals as needed. Complementary Therapies: Breast cancer survivors may use complementary therapies, such as acupuncture or massage, to manage symptoms or improve quality of life. Healthcare providers should be knowledgeable about these therapies and their potential risks and benefits. Cancer Recurrence and Cancer Progression The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) provides guidelines for the management of breast cancer recurrence. These guidelines are intended to assist healthcare providers in managing the care of patients who have experienced a recurrence of breast cancer. Here are some key points from the NCCN guidelines on breast cancer recurrence: Evaluation: Patients with suspected breast cancer recurrence should undergo a thorough evaluation, including physical examination, imaging studies, and biopsy or other tissue sampling as appropriate. Treatment Options: The choice of treatment for breast cancer recurrence may depend on the location and extent of the recurrence, as well as the patient's previous treatment history. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy. Systemic Therapy: Patients with distant or metastatic breast cancer recurrence may benefit from systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy. The choice of therapy should be based on the individual patient and their cancer characteristics. Supportive Care: Patients with breast cancer recurrence may experience physical and emotional symptoms related to their cancer and treatment. Healthcare providers should offer supportive care, including pain management, psychosocial support, and referral to palliative care services if appropriate. Relatedly, the standard of care for breast cancer progression depends on various factors, such as the type of breast cancer, the location and extent of the progression, and the patient's previous treatment history. In general, the goal of treatment for breast cancer progression is to slow or stop the growth of the cancer and improve the patient's quality of life. The treatment options for breast cancer progression may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy, among others. The choice of treatment may depend on the individual patient and their cancer characteristics. For example, if the breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer), systemic therapy such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy may be used to control the cancer. If the progression is localized, surgery and/or radiation therapy may be used to remove or shrink the cancer. Conclusion The breast cancer standard of care is an important resource for healthcare professionals and patients alike when exploring breast cancer treatment options. Knowing what treatments are recommended based on current evidence can help both doctors and patients make informed and confident decisions about their care plans. It is also important to keep up to date with breast cancer screening and risk assessment guidelines in order to detect breast cancer early on. Additionally, understanding breast cancer treatment guidelines can help ensure that the best treatments are being utilized for each individual stage of breast cancer. Ultimately, knowledge of breast cancer standard of care and associated guidelines can help patients receive the best care possible.

By Rod Ritchie So very often, when it comes to getting timely treatment for a nagging symptom, or indeed other health matters, men can be their own worst enemies. And nowhere is ignorance more prevalent than with breast cancer. Breast Cancer isn’t Always on Men’s Radar Even men who are careful about their diet and exercise regularly can be unaware of their breast cancer risk. While heart disease and depression present obvious red flags that early medical attention can help overcome, breast cancer is not on most men’s radars. All the pink hoopla put out as fundraising efforts by the breast cancer charities has led men to believe they can’t get this disease. Knowledge is power, and since breast cancer is a genderless disease , know your risks and the symptoms. For the one percent of breast cancers that occur in men, outcomes tend to be less favorable than in women. Often, because it never occurs to men, or their doctors, cancer may be a possibility. According to Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., by the time men seek help for their symptoms, their malignancies are usually more advanced and more lethal. (1) Signs of Male Breast Cancer Richard Bleicher, M.D., a surgeon at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, points out that 15% of the men diagnosed with breast cancer have a genetic mutation in their BRCA gene . Try to learn about your family medical history, and if breast, ovarian, or prostate cancers are known in close relatives, this can be an indication for you to be on the lookout and even talk to your doctor about your potential risk. (2) In any case, if you find a lump: Ascertain if it is new in the breast or in the armpit, and that it has been present for more than a few weeks. Don’t be complacent and don’t wait. Any new finding that persists for more than a few weeks should be brought to a doctor’s attention. If you do need to be evaluated, find a breast cancer specialist who is very familiar with the disease. What Does Treatment Look Like for Men? A sonogram or a mammogram followed by a biopsy will determine if you have breast cancer. Treatment involves one of, or a combination of, breast surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Hormone therapy, in the form of a daily tablet, is followed for at least five years. Fortunately, early-stage breast cancer has a high survival rate, so the incentive to be proactive with a diagnosis of this disease is certainly there. Breast cancer is just not something you think about in June for Men’s Health Month, so get yourself up to speed on your risks, the symptoms, and your family history. And if, when you are first diagnosed, you are unhappy with your evaluation, or find that you are not getting plain answers to your questions, or that you are being dismissed with little explanation, seek a second opinion . Finally, take a friend or relative to the appointment and take notes that you can refer to later. And remember, the only dumb question is the one you don’t ask. Learn More: Male Breast Reconstruction: Fixed or Flat? 10 Myths & Facts About Male Breast Cancer Resources for Male Breast Cancer Patients Genderless Breast Cancer Research The Stigma Surrounding Male Breast Cancer References: Sinatra, Stephen. Can Men Get Breast Cancer? Available at: https://heartmdinstitute.com/health-and-wellness/can-men-get-breast-cancer. Accessed on 6/23/22. Bleicher, Richard et al. Time to Surgery and Breast Cancer Survival in the United States. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2474438. Accessed on 6/23/22. Author bio: Rod Ritchie is a Sydney-born writer, internet publisher, and breast cancer patient activist, living with breast and prostate cancers. Currently, he’s NED for both. He’s President, Board of Directors, Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, has a website at MaleBC.org and you can follow him on Twitter @malefitness . His articles for Health Union can be found here . SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

A primary concern for many breast cancer survivors is the fear of recurrence. Understandably, it can trigger memories of the anxiety, depression, and uncertainty caused by the initial diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, recurrence can happen soon after your initial treatment or many years later. Continue reading to learn about recurrence and various strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence. Types of Recurrence While doctors strive to eliminate all cancer cells during initial treatment, in some cases, cells evade detection and survive. The undetected cells then multiply and become recurrent breast cancer. There are a few different types of recurrence . Local recurrence occurs when cancer returns to the area where it originally appeared. Regional recurrence happens when the cancer is found in the lymph nodes near the armpit or collarbone. Metastatic recurrence refers to breast cancer that has spread outside the breast area and regional nodes to other parts of the body. Steps To Reduce the Risk of Recurrence Although nothing guarantees your cancer won’t return, in most cases, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of recurrence. Stick With the Care Plan First and foremost, adhere to your healthcare team’s recommended follow-up care plan. The best way to find breast cancer recurrence early is by getting regular check-ups with your doctor, which may include mammograms and other recommended diagnostic tests. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Studies have shown that regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a balanced diet make breast cancer recurrence less likely. Make Exercise a Habit ​ Regular physical activity is beneficial in multiple ways. It can help reduce stress, improve your mood and sleep quality, and help you maintain a healthy weight. In addition, evidence suggests that people who engage in regular physical activity are less likely to experience a recurrence. You don’t have to join a gym or take up running; just try walking every day for half an hour at least three times per week. Eat Healthy Foods While maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t guarantee that your cancer won’t recur, there is scientific evidence that certain foods can boost your immune system and improve your overall health. For example, studies show that a Mediterranean diet — which emphasizes healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds — can help protect against breast cancer risk and recurrence . Don’t Smoke Smoking is a known risk factor for breast cancer, and research shows that it also increases the risk of recurrence . If you’re a smoker, quitting can help reduce the risk of developing another primary breast tumor, improve the survival rate after treatment, and reduce complications from surgery or radiation therapy. The Emotional Impact of Recurrence The emotional impact of a breast cancer recurrence can be profound. Many survivors feel a sense of loss, grief, and anger. Some feel they’ve been dealt a cruel blow, as if their body has betrayed them. Support is crucial for survivors dealing with a breast cancer recurrence. Some people find great comfort in talking with others who have been through similar experiences . For example, SurvivingBreastCancer.org ’s global online community offers opportunities to connect with others for safe, judgment-free, peer-to-peer support — and ensures you’re never alone. You may also need professional help to address the psychological impact of recurrence and work through your emotions. Psychologists and other mental health professionals can help survivors manage the anxiety, grief, and depression that a recurrence can cause. They can also provide practical strategies to help you cope with stress. Count On Us for Information, Resources, and Support Whether you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer , are navigating survivorship, or are the loved one of someone experiencing breast cancer, you can count on SurvivingBreastCancer.org to keep you informed. We provide educational information to help you better understand symptoms, testing, and treatment options . The Breast Cancer Conversations podcast features professionals, advocates, and caregivers who share valuable information. And our Thursday Night Thrivers meetups offer plenty of opportunities to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. SBC is here for you! Learn more: Breast Cancer Recurrence: Second Primary vs. Metastasis Exercise and Breast Cancer The Healing Power of Movement Four Years Post-Op SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

Through the years, there has been significant debate vis-à-vis how valuable breast self-examination is in detecting breast cancer early and increasing the likelihood of survival. The American Cancer Society stopped recommending breast self-exam as a screening tool for women with an average risk of breast cancer. Similarly, the Mayo Clinic acknowledges that "most medical organizations don't recommend routine breast self-exams as a part of breast cancer screening. That's because breast self-exams haven't been shown to be effective in detecting cancer or improving survival for women who have breast cancer." While breast self-exams are not a formal screening modality, there is great value in being familiar with the look and feel of your own breasts so you understand what is normal to you and are able to detect and promptly report changes. While we are proponents of breast self-exams and knowing your body, it is important to know that BSEs should never take the place of breast cancer screenings. Self-breast exams can help to detect early signs of breast cancer. Self-examination of the breasts is an important part of health care and should be done on a regular basis. Self-breast exams are also known as being self-breast aware, breast self-awareness, or BSE. During a self-breast examination, you will use your hands to feel for any changes in your breasts. It's important to do BSE regularly so that you get a sense of what your "normal" is as a baseline and then, over time, will be able to detect any changes. After all, you know your body best! Breast Cancer Statistics Cancer affects everyone differently, but some facts remain true no matter who is affected by it. According to recent estimates from The American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women (just over 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over their lifetime, and about 265,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year among US women alone. Although anyone can develop cancer regardless of age, race, or ethnicity, according to statistics from 2019 based on data from 2003-2017, African American women have higher rates of being diagnosed with later-stage breast cancers when compared to Caucasian women. Additionally, those same statistics show that Hispanic/Latina women were more likely than non-Hispanic white women to be diagnosed before they turn 40 (regardless of age, gender identity, race, or ethnicity) and need to become better informed about their bodies to help catch signs and symptoms early on. Early Detection Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery from breast cancer. By taking proactive measures like self-breast examinations and getting regular mammograms after age 40 (or earlier, depending on risk factors), women can stay informed about their own health and be more aware of potential issues related to breast cancer before they become more serious or life-threatening conditions. Early-stage breast cancer is curable. Late-stage breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer still has no cure, though it is manageable with lifelong treatment. Similarly, while mammograms are the current standard of care for breast cancer screenings, it is important to know your breast density. Breast density plays an important role in the effectiveness of mammography screening; if you have dense breasts (and your mammographer should be able to tell you), you will want to ask for another type of screening, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to detect breast cancer. Know Your Breasts (Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer) & Other Parts of Your Body You should call your healthcare provider if you notice any: changes in the look, feel, or size of the breast, change in the look or feel of the nipple, dimpling or puckering of the skin, lump, hard knot, or thick spot in the breast tissue, nipple discharge, nipple or other area pulling inward, pain in one spot that won't go away, rash on the nipple, swelling of one or both breasts, warmth, redness, or dark spots on the skin. It is also possible that breast cancer may be present without any of the aforementioned signs or symptoms. That is why it is very important to get screened using the right modality, depending on your breast density, in order to know whether or not you have breast cancer. A Sampling of Methods Used to Perform a Breast Self-Examination Method 1 The first step to breast self-exam is to look at your breasts in the mirror. Look for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture of the skin on the breast or around the nipple area. Check for dimpling, swelling, redness, or any other changes that may be present. This method can also help you become more familiar with the shape and texture of each breast so that it is easier for you to notice any changes during breast self-exam. Method 2 The second method is known as palpation . To perform this breast self-exam technique, you will use your hands to feel for anything unusual in your breasts. With arms raised above your head, your goal is to get used to the feel of your breasts. This will help you to find anything new or different. If you do, contact your provider right away. When you know what's normal for you, you will be more aware of when changes occur. Many hospital clinics and healthcare provider offices focus on breast cancer awareness services, including breast cancer screening. You can help your healthcare team maintain your breast health by taking a few minutes once a month to conduct a breast self-exam. Start at the collarbone and, using a circular motion, slowly move your fingers over each breast until you reach the armpit area. Be sure to check both sides and go deep into the breast tissue all the way up to the collarbone while feeling for any lumps or bumps that may be present. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage. It is important to do breast self-exams also during your menstrual cycle so you get a sense of what is normal. Using your three middle fingers, be sure to check the entire breast area, and move in an up-and-down pattern; it only takes a few minutes! There is nothing to lose! Method 3 The third Breast Self Exam technique is called percussion . During this breast self-examination technique, lightly tap each part of your breast with your fingertips while looking in front of a mirror. This breast self-exam technique helps detect possible tumors that may not be felt through palpation alone. It is important to note if there are any areas on the breast where tapping produces a sound or sensation different from what was experienced elsewhere on your breasts during Breast Self Exam. Method 4 A fourth method for BSE is in the shower with the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area by pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month, feeling for any lump, thickening, hardened knot, or any other breast changes. In Front of a mirror, visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Then, raise them overhead and look for any changes. Next, place your hands on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Look for any dimpling or changes, particularly on the nipples. When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, check the entire right breast area by pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze & roll each nipple between the thumb and forefinger, checking for discharge (this would indicate infection). Repeat these steps for your left breast using the other hand. Remember, breast self-exams should be completed on a monthly basis as part of your overall health regimen. If you ever find an irregularity or lump during breast self-exams, it is important to visit a doctor or other healthcare professional for further evaluation. Breast self-exams are the best way to catch any abnormalities early and can potentially help save lives by providing early detection of breast cancer. Finding Breast Cancer Monthly breast self-exams are a check-up a woman does at home to look for changes or problems in the breast tissue. Many women feel that doing this is important to their health. However, experts do not agree about the benefits of breast self-exams in finding breast cancer or saving lives. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether breast self-exams are right for you. The best time to do a monthly breast self-exam is about 3 to 5 days after your period starts. Do it at the same time every month. Your breasts are least likely to be tender and swollen at this time. Check each breast and armpit carefully. Look for changes such as: Lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm area Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast Change in size or shape of the breast Dimpling or puckering of the skin Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple If you find any changes in your breasts that don't go away after your period, talk to your healthcare provider. Self-breast examinations are a great way to stay informed and proactive about your health! So make sure you perform a breast self-exam every month and keep yourself healthy! If ever you're worried about something you notice during a breast self-exam, be sure to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Are Self-Breast Exams Recommended? Yes, self-breast examinations are still recommended as an important screening and early detection tool for breast cancer. Self-exams can help you become familiar with the size, shape, texture, and temperature of your breasts so that any changes can be detected quickly and addressed appropriately. Regular self-breast examinations should be combined with other screening tools, such as mammograms, to ensure earlier detection if any irregularities or lumps are present. Are Self-Breast Exams Better Than Mammograms? Self-breast examinations are an important part of health care and can be used as a tool in the early detection of breast cancer, and confirmed through mammography and biopsy. Mammograms are a screening tool used for the early detection of breast cancer. Mammograms use X-ray images to help detect any lumps or abnormalities that may indicate cancerous tissue. This type of screening is recommended for all women over the age of 40, though if you are at high risk for breast cancer, you may start screenings earlier. It is important to note that self-breast examinations should also be completed regularly due to their ability to detect irregularities before they become larger issues. Self-breast examinations cannot replace mammography screenings; however, the information obtained from self-breast exams can provide supplemental data that could lead to earlier diagnosis if any irregularities or lumps are detected during the self-examination process. Conclusion Self-breast examinations are an important tool in health care and should be done regularly, regardless of age or risk factors associated with breast cancer. Self-breast examinations can help women become more familiar with their own bodies, allowing them to detect any irregularities that may be present earlier on. Self-breast examinations provide supplemental data that could lead to earlier diagnosis if any irregularities or lumps are detected during the self-examination process. If any irregularities or lumps are found during self-breast examinations, it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can then recommend the appropriate next steps to be taken in order to properly diagnose and treat the issue. Early detection is key when it comes to breast cancer, and self-breast exams can play an important role in finding issues quickly and addressing them appropriately. Self-breast examinations are an important part of health care that should not be overlooked.

Breast cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that can significantly impact a patient’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Although advancements in technology and treatments have improved patient outcomes, managing breast cancer requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery and survivorship. The Breast Cancer Care Continuum The Breast Cancer Care Continuum is a comprehensive framework focusing on improving the quality of care for breast cancer patients by addressing the various aspects of breast cancer care. The continuum includes five key stages of care: 1. Prevention Preventing the occurrence of breast cancer is the ideal scenario. However, many risk factors can contribute to the development of breast cancer, including age, family history, lifestyle choices, and exposure to certain chemicals. Women with a high risk of developing breast cancer may take preventative measures, like prophylactic mastectomy or medication. Your healthcare providers can guide you on the most effective options based on your risk factors. 2. Screening Early detection is vital to successful treatment. Therefore, you should report any breast changes or abnormalities to your healthcare provider. Mammograms are the most common screening tool used to detect breast cancer, and you should discuss when to get them and how often with your provider. Additional screening tools include breast MRIs or ultrasounds. 3. Diagnosis If breast cancer is suspected, your provider may recommend a biopsy, which involves removing a small amount of breast tissue for analysis. Biopsies can confirm the presence of cancer and provide critical information about the type of cancer, which informs treatment options and decisions. 4. Treatment Treatment can involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination. The type of recommended treatment depends on several factors, including the stage and type of cancer, and the patient’s overall health and preferences. Surgery is often the first step in breast cancer treatment, and it may include removing the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue (lumpectomy) or the entire breast (mastectomy). Reconstruction may be performed immediately or later, depending on the type of surgery. Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that uses drugs to eradicate cancer cells and is often used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or prevent recurrence. Finally, targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins or genes associated with cancer growth and can be combined with other treatments. 5. Recovery and Survivorship After treatment, patients enter a recovery and survivorship phase. During this phase, patients may experience physical and emotional changes and may require ongoing support. Follow-up care, including regular medical appointments and imaging tests, is important to monitor for a recurrence and address any side effects of treatment. Support can be a vital tool for recovery and survivorship. SurvivingBreastCancer.org offers multiple online weekly and monthly support groups to help you navigate your journey. Each stage of the Breast Cancer Care Continuum is critical to ensuring patients receive the best possible care and achieve the most favorable outcomes. Effective coordination between healthcare providers, patients, and support services is essential to accomplish this goal. The Importance of the Breast Cancer Care Continuum The Breast Cancer Care Continuum ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate care at every stage of their journey, from prevention to survivorship. As a result, the approach can help reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with breast cancer, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for survivors. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the US , and early detection through screening is critical to improving patient outcomes. The Breast Cancer Care Continuum ensures that patients receive regular screenings and follow-up care to detect and manage breast cancer at the earliest possible stage. Count On Us for Information, Resources, and Support Whether you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer , are navigating survivorship, or are the loved one of someone experiencing breast cancer, you can count on SurvivingBreastCancer.org to keep you informed. In addition to online support groups, we provide a comprehensive suite of resources. Our resources include educational information to help you better understand symptoms, testing, treatment options , surgery, etc.; podcasts that feature professionals, advocates, and caregivers who share valuable information; and free online programs in English and Spanish, including yoga, art therapy, writing workshops, webinars, and more. Your donations enable SurvivingBreastCancer.org to offer resources and support every day, every month, and every year, so you’re never alone. SBC is here for you! Learn more: Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Risk Factors Exercise and Breast Cancer SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Rod Ritchie Although around one percent of new cases diagnosed are males, going through breast cancer treatment affects people regardless of their gender. Therefore, patient advocates for men with this disease are looking to build and promote a consistent profile and narrative within all cancer groups for breast cancer. The aim is to enable a more balanced perspective for men and support improved health outcomes. Men’s MBC prognosis Several years ago, the author, a Stage 3B IBC survivor and Stage 4 friend, Rob Fincher, realized men with breast cancer have a poorer prognosis than women. 3 This is because they are more often diagnosed at a later stage. As well, they can be reluctant to present themselves with symptoms because of the stigma . Moreover, their health practitioners commonly do not recognize symptoms early enough. Then, there is a lack of male-specific clinical research and trials . This means that treatment for men follows protocols that were developed for women. Bringing About Change Breast cancer charities are almost exclusively fixated on using pink to denote breast cancer. This is fine because women are getting the message. However, the community is largely unaware that males get this disease as well. It is estimated that this year, 2,360 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in the U.S., 350 in the U.K., and 150 in Australia. In some African countries, the rate of male diagnosis is as high as 30 percent of new cases. Worldwide, 20,828 men will die from the disease annually. 1 In a 2012 study that assessed more than 13,000 male breast cancers from the U.S. National Cancer Database, men with breast cancer were found to be less likely to survive the disease than women. All we ask of breast cancer groups is that they give us a fair go and assist in raising public awareness of the genderless nature of this disease. 2 What Does the Manifesto Say? Like much social change, bringing about a new phase in the treatment of men with breast cancer takes time. Our manifesto is not so much a list of demands as a plea to those who can alter the status quo to consider equity in treating patients, regardless of their gender: 3 Reduce the sexual stereotyping of breast cancer as being an exclusively female disease. Provide inclusive imagery and de-gendered language across all mediums to acknowledge the disease that exists in men as well as women. Build a sense of importance and belonging within cancer support groups for male breast cancer patients and their caregivers. Institute public breast screening programs for BRCA1 and BRCA2 people of all genders. Provide easy access to relevant up-to-date information for men that is prominently displayed and accessible by all groups . Institute breast cancer research and development funding to the equivalent of one percent of the total amounts raised. Include a splash of blue among the pink to promote awareness of male breast cancer. Set aside a day in October to publicize male breast cancer. A Tireless Patient Advocate Sadly, Rob Fincher passed away from breast cancer three years ago. He was a tireless patient advocate and was completely open about his diagnosis and the conundrums of being treated in a world of pink. He once said, “I wonder, with the benefit of hindsight, if it would have been easier to accept the diagnoses, whether it would have been easier to understand and communicate, and whether my feelings of emasculation would have been different if there had been the slightest mention of males or the slightest blue hue anywhere.”. 4 Progress is Being Made The good news is that charities and government agencies have made strides in their presentation of genderless material in print and digital material in the eight years I’ve worked on this campaign. Our call on all breast cancer groups to adopt a more inclusive agenda for the promotion of breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research in men is bearing fruit. Learn More: Men: Know Your Breast Cancer Risk Male Breast Reconstruction: Fixed or Flat? 10 Myths & Facts About Male Breast Cancer Resources for Male Breast Cancer Patients Genderless Breast Cancer Research The Stigma Surrounding Male Breast Cancer References: Cancer Today. World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/. Accessed on July 28, 2022. National Cancer Database. American College of Surgeons. Available at: https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer-programs/national-cancer-database. Accessed on July 28, 2022. Breast Cancer: Men Get It Too. MBC Manifesto. Available at: https://malebc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/MBCmanifesto6.pdf. Accessed on: July 28, 2022. Rob Fincher. Male Breast Cancer Happens. Available at:https://malebreastcancerhappens.org/Survivor%20Stories/rob-fincher/. Accessed on: July 28, 2022. Author bio: Rod Ritchie is a Sydney-born writer, internet publisher, and breast cancer patient activist, living with breast and prostate cancers. Currently, he’s NED for both. He’s President, Board of Directors, Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, has a website at MaleBC.org , and you can follow him on Twitter @malefitness . His articles for Health Union can be found here . SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Rafia Nasir As an oncology pharmacist, I have four years of firsthand experience working with cancer patients. I provide guidance on chemotherapies, side effect management, and overall support. In this article, I will share some helpful tips for newly diagnosed cancer patients that I’ve learned through my years of experience. Emotional Intelligence In relation to cancer treatment, emotional intelligence refers to one’s ability to identify, understand, and manage one’s own emotions as well as others’ emotions while navigating cancer treatment. Mindfulness and meditation techniques, along with a strong support system that includes loved ones and your oncology team , can help you cope with stress and improve your overall well-being during cancer treatment. If you require additional support, seeking advice from a psychologist can be beneficial. Be Prepared to Share Sharing your experiences or queries with doctors can help you receive proper care and effectively manage symptoms. If you’re concerned about forgetting relevant information to discuss during your doctor’s appointment, jot your questions down beforehand. Medication Adherence Taking medications as prescribed is crucial for the best outcomes. Make sure you understand all your medications and each one’s purpose. Consider using a pill organizer or setting reminders on your phone to take oral medications. Manage Your Side Effects Cancer treatment may cause different side effects , such as fatigue, nausea, skin or nail issues, and hair loss. Discuss with your oncology team how to manage symptoms through medications, diet, and exercise to maintain quality of life and treatment adherence. Stay Positive Many studies have shown that positivity is strongly correlated with physical well-being. Staying positive can help improve your immunity, lower stress levels, and reduce inflammation in the body, which allows you to battle disease much more effectively. Some examples include connecting with supportive people , finding meaning in life through hobbies, volunteering or spending time with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and staying focused on what you can control , such as sticking to treatment plans and practicing self-care. Be Your Own Advocate You have the right to participate in your own care . Be proactive, speak up, and ask questions. Your input is crucial for the best treatment plan. Financial Aid You can explore various options, such as government programs and non-profit organizations , to alleviate the financial burden of cancer treatment. Managing Appearance Changes During chemotherapy, you may experience skin and nail changes, hair loss, and weight changes. Self-care practices, including maintaining personal hygiene, wearing comfortable and stylish clothing, and using makeup or accessories, can help you manage some of these changes. You can also seek assistance from your oncology team in coping with them. Fitness and Physical Activity Regular exercise or physical activity during cancer treatment may improve your physical and emotional well-being and help you cope with certain side effects. You can also ask your oncology team to refer you to a suitable physical therapist, which can be helpful in your healing process from treatment. Eating Mindfully Maintaining a healthy diet and adequate nutrition is imperative during cancer treatment to support the body’s ability to heal and cope with side effects. A registered dietitian can help you create a personalized nutrition plan. By following these tips, you can make informed decisions and manage your treatment effectively. Remember, cancer treatment is a journey, and by taking care of yourself and seeking support , you can navigate it more easily. Learn more: Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Exercise and Breast Cancer The Breast Cancer Care Continuum Breast Cancer and Mental Health Breast Cancer and Nutrition Side Effects of Chemotherapy Being Your Own Advocate Author bio: Rafia Nasir holds a Pharm-D degree and has extensive clinical and oncology experience. She worked for four years as a clinical pharmacist in medical oncology at an ISO-certified military hospital in Pakistan. Her experience as a clinical pharmacist helps her understand cancer treatment and the importance of individualized care. She currently works as a medical writer covering cancer treatment and research. By leveraging her clinical experience, she is able to translate complex medical information into patient-friendly language to help patients better understand their disease and treatment options. Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap between medical expertise and patient understanding. With a strong focus on patient education, she is committed to helping patients and their caregivers tackle cancer treatment complexities with confidence and hope. SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with over two million new cases diagnosed annually . A breast cancer diagnosis is life-altering, and surviving is a testament to your resilience and strength. However, the road to recovery is often long and challenging. As a survivor, you face the task of readjusting to life after treatment. This can include unique challenges, but there are ways to improve your quality of life and overall well-being. Continue reading for essential tips to help breast cancer survivors navigate this new chapter and flourish in their post-treatment lives. 1. Maintain a Healthy Diet A balanced diet is crucial in maintaining your overall well-being. It strengthens the immune system and can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Conversely, diets high in meat, alcohol, and certain types of fat can increase the risk of breast cancer . Instead, incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your daily meals while limiting your intake of processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars. 2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity Regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and a better quality of life and reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence. In addition, physical activity has stress-reducing benefits, like increasing endorphins, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. It can also enhance your mood, help you relax, and improve your sleep. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. Consult with your healthcare team to create a personalized fitness plan. 3. Prioritize Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being Addressing the emotional and psychological challenges accompanying survivorship is crucial. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Consider professional help if you experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. Support groups and therapy can help survivors process emotions, cope with the fear of recurrence, and rebuild self-esteem. Sharing your story with others can provide healing and inspire hope. Consider joining a support group like Surviving Breast Cancer’s Thursday Night Thrivers . 4. Manage Lymphedema Lymphedema is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment due to the removal or damage to lymph nodes, causing swelling and discomfort. Working with a certified lymphedema therapist can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. You can learn more about preventative measures and early intervention strategies from your healthcare team or the National Lymphedema Network for resources and a therapist directory. 5. Stay Informed About Post-Treatment Care Regular check-ups with your healthcare team to monitor for recurrence or new cancers are essential. Post-treatment care may include regular mammograms (if you still have breast tissue), physical exams, and symptom assessments. Communicate with your healthcare team to ensure you understand your ongoing care and any signs of potential recurrence. 6. Be Vigilant About Bone Health Breast cancer treatments can impact bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Talk with your healthcare provider about bone density screenings, supplements, and lifestyle changes to improve bone health. 7. Explore Complementary Therapies Therapies like acupuncture , yoga , and meditation can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and treatment-related side effects. Discuss these options with your healthcare team to find what works for you. 8. Consider Breast Reconstruction or Prosthetics Breast reconstruction and prosthetics can help improve self-esteem and body image after surgery. Consider consulting with a plastic surgeon to discuss options and determine the best choice for your needs. 9. Embrace Your “New Normal” Adjusting to life after breast cancer may require reevaluating priorities , setting new goals, and accepting a “new normal.” Give yourself time and space to process your experience and make necessary changes. Count On Us for Information, Resources, and Support We hope these tips will help you optimize your physical and emotional well-being, paving the way for a thriving life after breast cancer. Remember that this is an ongoing process, so don't be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. If you have any questions about these tips, please reach out to us — we’re here for you! Whether you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer , are navigating survivorship, or are the loved one of someone experiencing breast cancer, you can count on SurvivingBreastCancer.org to keep you informed. We provide educational information to help you better understand symptoms , testing, treatment options , surgery, etc., and podcasts that feature professionals, advocates, and caregivers who share valuable information. Your donations enable SurvivingBreastCancer.org to offer resources and support every day, every month, and every year. SBC is here for you! Learn more: On My Mat: Mindfulness and Cancer Exercise and Breast Cancer Diet and Breast Cancer Understanding Lymphedema New Meanings and Shifting Priorities SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events