How can I prevent future recurrences of breast cancer?
If your first cancer is hormone receptor-positive and you take antihormonal therapy, your likelihood of developing a second cancer is reduced. By going to your physician regularly and undergoing regular physical exams and mammograms, chances are that a second cancer will be detected early. Most woman who have cancer on one side will not develop cancer on the other side. In fact, the risk of that occurring is only 1 percent to 2 percent per year of follow-up. Rarely, women who are extremely concerned about cancer in the other breast elect to have their other breast removed as a precaution. This may be considered a drastic step. Monthly breast self-examinations are very important, and you should notify your physician if you discover any changes in your breast.
Related Questions
- Does infrared imaging form a good baseline test for comparison with future infrared testing? How early can infrared detect the signs of breast cancer?
- What purpose does predicting a womans future risk for breast cancer serve if a risk estimate is only accurate for a womans current age?
- How can I prevent future recurrences of breast cancer?
