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HomeTopics...Breast Cancer TreatmentBreast Cancer Survival
Life After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Survival Rates, Support Groups and MoreAccording to the National Cancer Institute the relative overall five-year breast cancer survival rate in women is 87 percent, an increase of 11 percent since the 1980s and up 15 percent since the 1970s. The improvement in five-year relative survival rate is even more dramatic for localized breast cancer: 97 percent today as compared with 72 percent in the 1940s. While the relative breast cancer survival rates do decrease with time, the prognosis is still promising. Ten-year survival is 77 percent, fifteen-year survival is 63 percent and twenty-year survival is 52 percent. Most breast cancer diagnoses occur in women who are between 50 and 59 years of age. Building a Support NetworkIf you have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, or know someone who has, you will begin to understand the trauma and devastation for both the person diagnosed and their immediate family. After the initial shock, you will need time to grasp the situation and accept the challenge of survival.Although you may feel pain and emotional stress, the first step to recovery is the creation of a support group. This starts by communicating with others about how you feel, and how they feel, so that you feel less alone and can begin to focus on survival. Stress management requires that you have current information from reliable sources. You may wish to obtain information on coping strategies, particularly those dealing with depression. Speak with your physician and oncologist about treatment options. Get help to organize your information so you will be more comfortable and confident with the treatment decisions you make. Stress management includes building an emotional and psychological support network that includes your family, friends, health care team, cancer survivors and breast cancer support groups. A support network can help you work through anger and fear, and the depression that often follows a cancer diagnosis. Surviving Breast Cancer TreatmentAnxiety, distress, grief and depression are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. You can also expect to experience a loss of appetite.If you need a radical mastectomy, you will no doubt be concerned with your physical appearance and will want to know about breast reconstruction and suitable clothing. Breast reconstruction options include implanted prosthesis, tissue expansion and flap techniques using layers of muscle and fat. Breast reconstruction can restore a sense of "wholeness" and return your symmetrical appearance. Mastectomy bras and silicone breast forms are also available. Chemotherapy patients find chemo caps are helpful. Before, during and after treatment, "cold caps" are worn to restrict blood flow to hair follicles. This results in minimal hair loss or thinning. During recovery, when there is significant hair loss or patchiness, chemo caps are used to cover the head. They are often knitted or made from soft material. Chemo caps can be stylish, fashionable and a source of humor while your hair is growing back. Life After TreatmentYou will need assistance throughout your life, balancing a sense of hope with continuing sadness. You will never forget the experience and will, no doubt, worry about a recurrence. However, being a self-advocate will increase your self-esteem and quality of life. Taking a proactive approach is much more conducive to survival.Resources American Cancer Society. (2004). Cancer facts & figures 2004 [No. 5008.04]. American Cancer Society. (2004). Breast cancer facts & figures 2003-2004 [No. 8610.03]. St. Francis Hospital, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2002, Summer). Strength in numbers. Covenant: The Promise of Healthy Living, p. 5. Zatzariny, K. (Reviewed 2002). Coping with cancer: Meeting the challenges of cancer survivorship. |
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