We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Challenges are Faced by Breast Cancer Survivors?

By K. Gierok
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,889
Share

Breast cancer survivors face many challenges, even after their cancer has been completely treated. Often, these women continue to experience pain, both in their breasts, as well as in other parts of their body. In addition, fears about recurrence, the development of premature osteoporosis, and depression are all issues faced by breast cancer survivors. While some women can work through these challenges on their own, others may need to seek the assistance of a psychologist, physical therapist, or support group for complete recovery.

One common condition often faced by breast cancer survivors is ongoing pain. This is especially true for women who suffered from more advanced forms of breast cancer, as these individuals often experience high amounts of pain in the breasts. Women who had a partial or complete mastectomy also commonly experience ongoing breast pain, through both the recovery period and long after. Those who rate their pain as being very uncomfortable are often prescribed medications to treat the pain. In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended.

Women who are breast cancer survivors are often concerned about their risk of recurrence. Those who have been diagnosed with the most severe forms of breast cancer are often at greatest risk for recurrence. More mild forms of the cancer and those which are quickly identified and treated typically do not result in recurrence. Women who fear recurrence may want to consider speaking with a psychologist. Recommendations are often made for these women not to fixate on the fear of recurrence, but rather focus on their current good health.

The risk of osteoporosis has been found to be significantly elevated for breast cancer survivors. This is typically due to the high amounts of prescribed medications, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy received by these patients. Women must often start supplementing their diet with calcium at an early age in order to prevent possible bone breaks or fractures. In addition, participation in a regular exercise program which includes both cardiovascular and strength training is often recommended.

Breast cancer survivors often suffer from depression, even after complete cancer treatment. This depression can be linked to a number of factors, including guilt over stresses placed on their families, or sadness for the loss of a breast. In addition, women often feel remorseful about surviving the condition, while so many others have died. Participating in a breast cancer support group may be an effective way for these women to speak about their grief and depression. Often, an oncologist can provide information about a good breast cancer support group.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-challenges-are-faced-by-breast-cancer-survivors.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.