Breast Cancer: Prognosis

New, improved treatments are helping persons with breast cancer live longer than ever before. However, even with treatment, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes, cancer returns even after the entire tumor is removed and nearby lymph nodes are found to be cancer-free.

How well you do after being treated for breast cancer depends on many things. The more advanced your cancer, the poorer the outcome. Other factors used to determine the risk for recurrence and the likelihood of successful treatment include:

• Location of the tumor and how far it has spread
• Whether the tumor is hormone receptor-positive or -negative
• Tumor markers, such as HER2
• Gene expression
• Tumor size and shape
• Rate of cell division or how quickly the tumor is growing

After considering all of the above, your doctor can discuss your risk of having a recurrence of breast cancer.

Complications

You may experience side effects or complications from cancer treatment. For example, radiation therapy may cause temporary swelling of the breast (lymphedema), and aches and pains around the area.

Lymphedema may start 6 to 8 weeks after surgery or after radiation treatment for cancer.

It can also start very slowly after your cancer treatment is over. You may not notice symptoms until 18 to 24 months after treatment. Sometimes it can take years to develop.

Ask your doctor about the side effects you may have during treatment.

Support Groups

Talking about your disease and treatment with others who share common experiences and problems can be helpful. Several organizations have lists of support groups all over the country. They include:

• The National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service, 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
• Your local chapters of the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure
• Local hospitals and breast cancer clinics, E.g. Intermountain Medical Center
• You'll also find an active online support community at the Breastcancer.org, Discussion Boards.

Post Title : Breast Cancer: Prognosis

Breast Cancer: Prognosis,

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Breast Cancer: Prognosis