How to manage a breast cancer journey?
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we speak to a senior radiation oncologist, to understand aspects of living and coping with cancer.
Is breast cancer curable?
Yes, it is curable when detected early. Hence early detection and timely diagnosis are of prime importance. In advanced stages, we can often control the disease and extend survival but a complete cure might not be possible. Awareness, screening (including regular self-breast exams and mammography as per age and risk), and early detection as the treatment. This helps us in early diagnosis, and smaller tumor size and biologic subtype at presentation is the most important predictor (along with biologic subtyping) of the expected treatment outcome or prognosis.
According to a recent news article, half of the women diagnosed with breast cancer die every year in India. Is it this dangerous?
In advanced stages, the risk of mortality is higher. The outcomes have significantly improved with better therapies and early detection. Nonetheless, it has the potential to be responsible for the loss of life. Prompt medical evaluation for any lump, nipple discharge, or breast changes is crucial..
What precautions should one take while undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer?
Avoid sources of infection – raw/uncooked food, pets, crowds, cuts, and abrasions
Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet after consulting a dietician.
Be alert and observant of any changes or symptoms in your body
Follow instructions given by your doctor regarding periodic blood tests
It is essential to stick to advised dates for chemotherapy as delays affect outcomes
Avoid self-medication; always consult your oncologist.
What advice would you give to primary caretakers of breast cancer patients in terms of providing them with the necessary care and support?
Serve regular meals, and maintain their intake of food
Provide emotional support
Engage them support groups to interact with other cancer patients
Offer them counselling
Provide a mastectomy bra or prosthesis for the patient to use after surgery as the chest may be sore from the process
Proper care for neuropathy (weakness, numbness or pain from nerve damage) and lymphedema (swelling caused by a lymphatic system blockage) – both of which may occur in the arms or legs
Understand that the logistics and finances are only the most superficial support expected from the caretakers – even though it is very essential. There is a multitude of support ways that the primary caretaker can identify and engage in. A care provider needs to have an immense amount of patience and does take a toll on them as well. Hence, do not shy away from talking to the right people (not the patient, but other friends and family) about how difficult it is for you to be available and provide for everything. Take care of yourself as well as it is going to be a long and demanding phase where you need to be at your best. In the west, counseling is extended to the whole family along with the patient, in view of the same.
What steps must one take post breast cancer treatment in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoid risks of recurrence?
Stick to prescribed medication like hormone therapy and immunotherapy
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight, add fruits and vegetables as an essential component of your diet
Limit processed and red meats; prefer lean proteins like fish and legumes.
Maintain regular follow-ups and investigations as suggested
What message would you like to give to patients and families going through breast cancer treatment?
The term cancer is frightening because of its past reputation but outcomes have improved drastically.
Today we have a better understanding of tumor biology, molecular subtypes, and precision therapy.
We are in a much better position today to understand and explain to patients how the tumor is expected to behave and what should be expected from the treatment.
Many patients with early breast cancer are completely cured, and even those with advanced disease live longer and better lives
Ask your doctor to explain the type and details of the breast cancer and the prognosis or expected outcome with treatment.
The outcome significantly improved now with advanced medicines and biological agents. Even for metastatic breast cancer, newer biological and targeted agents have extended survival significantly.