SEATTLE, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Throughout October, National
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, experts from Fred Hutchinson Cancer
Research Center and its clinical care partner, the Seattle Cancer
Care Alliance, are offering weekly research-based tip sheets
regarding breast cancer prevention, screening and early detection,
treatment and survivorship.
Today’s tip sheet, the fourth and final in the series, is “10
Tips for Breast Cancer Survivors” provided by Karen Syrjala, Ph.D.,
director of Biobehavioral Sciences and co-director of the
Survivorship Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
10 TIPS FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
1. Get a summary of your treatments. Have a list of what
surgery, radiation and chemotherapy doses you received so that you
can communicate these to your primary care providers. This will
help you plan for the next tip on the list.
2. Make a plan for monitoring the long-term effects of your
cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor about the potential long-term
effects of your cancer treatment and what to watch out for. For
example, some cancer treatments can increase the risk of
cardiovascular problems or second cancers; others can impact your
bones. If you want more information, make an appointment with the
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program or
check LiveStrongCarePlan.org.
3. Learn how to manage the fear of cancer coming back. First,
find out your risk of recurrence from your health care provider.
Second, remember that risk is based on averages and does not apply
to you as an individual. Third, consider counseling or other
assistance to help you face your fears and move forward.
4. Get moving. If you pick one healthy thing to change in your
life, physical activity is likely to make the fastest change in how
you feel and also potentially reduce your cancer-related risks.
Make opportunities to walk or take stairs. Find an exercise program
to join to get you started if it’s
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