Diagnosed and living with breast cancer
Living with breast cancer can feel overwhelming, but understanding your condition and finding ways to manage the challenges can make a big difference to your emotional and mental wellbeing.
What is early breast cancer?
Early breast cancer is a term used to describe breast cancer that is small and found only in the breast tissue, or in lymph nodes close to the breast.1 In many cases, early breast cancer may be highly treatable and survivable,2 and the goal of treatment is to remove or control the cancer before it spreads.1 This is why it is so important to catch the cancer at the earliest stage possible.
While it’s encouraging to know that many people successfully manage early breast cancer, we understand that every person’s breast cancer journey comes with emotional and physical challenges.
STAY ACTIVE
- Physical activity may reduce breast cancer risk by 40% and has been observed to have the most impact as a lifestyle factor on breast cancer outcomes.3
- At least 150 minutes per week of physical activity is recommended.3
DIET
- Western-style diets (high in processed grains, processed meats and red meats) and prudent diets (high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and chicken) have similar rates of breast cancer recurrence.3
- Dietary saturated fat, especially from high-fat dairy products, may be associated with increased breast cancer mortality.3
- Soy products have not been found to increase breast cancer recurrence and may actually reduce it.3
QUITTING SMOKING
- Those who quit smoking after a breast cancer diagnosis may be able to reduce their risk of disease progression and improve overall survival and disease-free survival to those who continued smoking.3
Alcohol intake
Limiting alcohol consumption to one or fewer drinks per day reduces the risk of a second primary breast cancer.3
Use your support systems
Whether it’s family, friends, or a support group, staying connected to loved ones can help you feel less isolated.
Manage stress
Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or even your hobbies can help to calm times of stress.
Talk to your care team
Don’t hesitate to ask your medical team about anything from side effects to emotional support services. They are there to help guide you through this journey.
RISK OF RECURRENCE IS TOP OF MIND FOR MANY PATIENTS
While breast cancer treatments are often effective, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s important to keep in mind that having a conversation about the risk of recurrence with your doctor can help you identify steps to minimise the chances of cancer coming back.4
Your personal risk of recurrence is an important factor to consider when selecting a breast cancer treatment plan. Talk to your healthcare professional early to explore your options and make informed decisions based on your individual risk profile.
Regular follow-ups, monitoring, and open conversations with your doctor are key to catching any potential issues early. Staying aware of your body and letting your care team know about any red flag symptoms of recurrence allows for early medical intervention if necessary.
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Changes to how you experience orgasm
Vaginal dryness
A crawling sensation under the skin
Changes to sex drive
Heart palpitations
Joint pain
Changes to skin and hair
Weight gain, particularly around the waist
Difficulty sleeping
Memory and concentration problems
Feeling anxious or irritable
Mood changes
Many women have concerns about whether they can still get pregnant, especially when they are young, and their treatment has brought on early menopause. This can be emotionally challenging, especially if you’re hoping to start a family or have more children.5
Even if your periods have stopped and you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms, you may still be fertile and capable of becoming pregnant. During menopause, fertility can persist, as your ovaries may still be partially functioning.5
If you have questions about how breast cancer treatment may impact menopause, how you can manage your menopause symptoms, or need any further information about your fertility and menopause status, your healthcare team can provide guidance specific to your situation.5
Talking about your diagnosis at work
When sharing the news at work, consider speaking to your manager or HR about your diagnosis. If you’re not comfortable getting into the specifics, you could try explaining that you may have medical appointments or need flexibility so they can accommodate your needs and provide a supportive environment while undergoing treatment.
Letting people know you might not be your usual self
Early breast cancer treatment often brings physical and emotional changes which may impact your energy and focus. If you feel comfortable with it, you can share your experiences with close colleagues or team members. Even letting them know that your treatment and its side effects might lead to days where you are quieter or less focused than usual. This can help to foster a more compassionate and comfortable work environment.
