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Survivorship for breast cancer

Putting your experience with breast cancer into context

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As treatment comes to an end, many people long for continued connection to others who understand what they’ve been through. These are the people who share in grieving the losses of breast cancer, integrating the experience into their lives – and celebrating the promise of a different future.

Here you’ll find authentic voices sharing how they mark cancer anniversaries and milestones, take steps to recapture emotional and physical health, and find ways to make meaning of a life-changing diagnosis. Our medical advisors offer key evidence-based advice on screening and health monitoring, as well as ways to recognize and combat long-term side effects.

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Quick facts

Nearly 3.8 million American women have a personal history of breast cancer (SEER, 2019)
Studies show volunteering can improve physical and mental health, provide a sense of purpose, and nurture relationships (Mayo Clinic, 2021)

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In a sense, for me, survivorship has come to mean responsibility. That responsibility can be significant, as in serving those diagnosed with breast cancer by listening, encouraging, and raising awareness. It can also be simple, as in treating a friend to lunch, sharing a joke, or appreciating a song with a good beat."

Peggy Valdez Olivas

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Related resources

| 4 Min. Read | 6

Why fear of recurrence happens

11/05/19 | BY: Hester Hill Schnipper

Fear of cancer recurrence is prevalent post-breast cancer. Its impact varies, influenced by individual health history, information access, social support, coping mechanisms, and other factors.

| 6 Min. Read | 2

Common fear of recurrence triggers

11/05/19 | BY: Linda Abrams, Beth Meyerowitz, Evelyn Robles-Rodriguez, Hester Hill Schnipper, Ruth Steinman

Certain events, anniversaries, or activities in your life could remind you of cancer and trigger, or bring out, your concerns about recurrence.

| 6 Min. Read | 2

Managing your fear of recurrence

11/05/19 | BY: Linda Abrams, Beth Meyerowitz, Evelyn Robles-Rodriguez, Hester Hill Schnipper, Ruth Steinman

There are many different ways to cope with fears after treatment is over. Try different strategies to find the ones that work best for you.

| 11 Min. Read | 3

Getting support for fear of recurrence

11/05/19 | BY: Linda Abrams, Beth Meyerowitz, Evelyn Robles-Rodriguez, Hester Hill Schnipper, Ruth Steinman

Talking about your fears will help you process them. Still, you may struggle to find someone you feel comfortable sharing your fears with.

| 8 Min. Read

Fear of recurrence

11/05/19 | BY: Hester Hill Schnipper

Fear of recurrence, or fear of the cancer coming back, is one of the most common worries among women with breast cancer.

| 4 Min. Read | 6

Signs of recurrence

01/15/19 | BY: Patricia Ganz

During breast cancer treatment and well after it has ended, fear of recurrence is a concern for nearly every person diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

| 9 Min. Read | 3

Survivorship care plans

11/12/14 | BY: Lori B. Ranallo

A survivorship care plan is a post-treatment written report with details about your breast cancer treatment, standards for follow-up care and methods to maintain your health.

| 8 Min. Read | 2

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I HAVE / HAVE HAD BREAST CANCER. I'M AT HIGH RISK FOR BREAST CANCER. I CARE ABOUT SOMEONE WITH BREAST CANCER. I WORK WITH PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER. OTHER

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Reviewed and updated: July 8, 2022

Reviewed by: LBBC Staff

Tagged:

Survivorship

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Survivorship for breast cancer

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