Breast cancer recurrence; signs, symptoms, and treatment with Dr Tasha

The one thing patients who have had treatment for breast cancer fear the most is that the cancer may come back. This is also known as cancer recurrence. In this solo episode, I talk about all things related to recurrence, what to look out for, the possible signs and symptoms and the possible treatment options.

Treatment for breast cancer, not only removes the cancer, but it is also aimed to minimise the risk of cancer coming back. So, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine treatment are all recommended with this single aim in mind. Immunotherapy such Herceptin for Her2 positive cancers, as well as biphosphonates are also known to reduce cancer risk.

What is really exciting is the evidence pointing towards lifestyle changes that has positive impact on cancer recurrence. These activities include exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, good nutrition and reducing alcohol intake.

The three types of recurrences include:

Local recurrence
Regional recurrence
Distant recurrence

The 5 things to look out for / red flag symptoms would include:

1. Bone pain that can either be a dull ache or sharp pain that isn’t going away and with no history of trauma.
2. Liver symptoms could include a sensation of bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort especially in the upper right hand side, fatigue, swelling of the abdomen and loss of appetite.
3. Lung symptoms may be a non-productive cough, sharp pain when breathing, shortness of breath.
4. Brain symptoms may include dizziness, unsteady on feet, nausea, mood swings, fatigue, vomiting and visual disturbances.
5. Spinal cord compression is a rare red flag symptom but one that needs urgent attention. The symptoms include severe lower back pain that doesn’t go away, numbness or electrical shock sensation, pins and needles down the arm or leg. Weakness, difficulty using arms or legs and numbness in the area around the back passage , inability to empty the bowel or bladder and problems controlling the battle bladder. If you get any of these symptoms you need to get urgent medical attention.

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DISCLAIMER: Due to complexities of medical conditions, individual medical advice cannot be given. Information provided in this channel is not a substitute for a consultation with a specialist.

WORRIED ABOUT A BREAST LUMP OR SYMPTOM?
FRUSTRATED AND CONFUSED BY CONFLICTING INFORMATION?
TRYING TO NAVIGATE LIFE AFTER BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN?

Breast health has become an important topic for both women and men. But with a huge amount of conflicting and confusing information out there, it can be hard to find the advice, support and care that you need.

My Breast My Health was created to make understanding breast health easy. Whether you’re looking to learn how to keep your breasts healthy, concerned about new symptoms or learning to live post-diagnosis, you’re in the right place.

Hi, I'm Dr Tasha

I’m a Doctor, Breast Cancer Surgeon and Medical Educator. After 20 years helping people to understand and overcome breast health problems, I’ve seen first hand the fear, frustration and stress that my patients go through.

As a breast specialist with over a decade’s worth of experience, I understand finding the right information, processing a diagnosis, understanding treatment and getting accurate, practical advice as you ride the rollercoaster of emotions can be really tough.

But I’m here to help.

The internet can be a wonderful source of information but when it comes to breast health there’s a lot of inaccurate information out there. Listening to the wrong advice could cause you unnecessary worry or even put your health at risk.

So I wanted to create an accessible hub where you could find useful, accurate and reliable information from a trusted source – a Breast Health Doctor – all in one place.

That’s exactly what you’ll find here on my YouTube Channel.

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#BreastCancerRecurrence #BreastCancer #BreastCancerTreatment #BreastCancerAwareness #JournalBreastCancer #MyBreastMyHealth #DrTasha