Network News - Winter 2009/2010 (PDF 3.7Mb - Canadian Breast ...

NEW SURVEY FINDS
RECURRENCE IS THE
#1 CONCERN FOR WOMEN
WITH BREAST CANCER
Practical tips on how survivors can help
reduce their risk
A
recent survey of breast cancer
survivors conducted on behalf
of The Canadian Breast Cancer
Network (CBCN) found that four out
of five say that having their cancer
return is their number one concern. 1
While most survivors surveyed
believe that exercise and diet can help
reduce the risk, less than half (45 per
cent) noted adherence to therapy as
something they do to reduce their risk
of breast cancer returning. 1 In reality,
it can have a great impact on reducing
the risk of breast cancer recurrence. 2
One of the first things they should do
is speak with their physician about
their chance of recurrence and factors
that can reduce it.
“Unfortunately, what women don’t
realize is that there are a number
of options within their control that
can help,” says Linda Dias, CBCN
Board member and breast cancer
survivor. “While it is no guarantee,
the more risk factors you can limit,
the better. Also, accessing resources
in your community can help you to
stay informed and allow you to be an
empowered participant in your overall
care.”
Some effective ways to help reduce the
risk of breast cancer include:
o Limiting alcohol to no more than
one drink per day 3
o Avoiding smoking 3
o Exercising, maintaining a low fat
diet and healthy weight 4
In addition to lifestyle changes,
commencing treatment with the most
appropriate therapy from the outset
and taking medications as directed can
help reduce the chance of breast cancer
recurrence. 5,2
“Preventing recurrence is extremely
important among breast cancer
survivors, as it can help women live
cancer-free, for longer. Women need
to understand their risk and take the
necessary steps to help prevent it,”
says Dr. Dominique Synnott, General
Surgeon and Surgery in Oncology
1 Leger Marketing Survey: Breast Cancer Recurrence Study, June 2009. Sponsored by CBCN.
2 Partridge, A.H., et al. «Adherence to Initial Adjuvant Anastrozole Therapy Among Women
with Early-Stage Breast Cancer.» Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2008. 26(4): p. 1-7.
3 The Canadian Cancer Society. Canadian Cancer Encyclopedia: Risk factors for breast
cancer. Accessed July 2009 at http://info.cancer.ca/E/CCE/CCEDetails.asp?redirect=1&id
=185&site=Breast%20Cancer&lang=E&name=/CIS/E/CCE/HTML/10_185.html
4 Chlebowski RT, Blackburn GL, Thomson CA, Nixon DW, Shapiro A, Hoy MK, et al.
Dietary fat reduction and breast cancer outcome: interim efficacy results from the
Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS). J Natl Cancer Inst 2006; Vol. 98, No. 24,
pp 1767-1776.
5 The ATAC Trialist Group - Effect of anastrozole and tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment for
early-stage breast cancer: 100 month analysis of the ATAC trial. Lancet Oncol 2008; 9 :
pp 45-53.
and Head of Breast Clinic in Sacred-
Heart Hospital. “Studies show that
treatment options are available that
can significantly reduce the risk of the
cancer returning, even after therapy
is completed. Continuing to take
medication as directed is essential
because skipping treatments or
stopping early reduces its effectiveness
in preventing recurrence.”
To learn more about the recurrence
of breast cancer and how to reduce
the risk, speak to your doctor or visit
www.cbcn.ca. •
Recently
diagnosed with
breast cancer?
Remember
these four key
questions to ask
your doctor:
o What is my risk
of breast cancer
recurrence?
o How can I reduce the
risk of recurrence?
o What kind of side
effects can I expect
from medications in
the short and long
term?
o Are there any lifestyle
changes that will
help?
Network News Winter 2009-10 11