Moving Forward After a Breast Cancer Treatment Ends

A diagnosis of breast cancer often leads to a proactive treatment plan that includes surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation and frequent doctor visits. The treatment can overwhelm and consume a patient’s life for months. But what happens when treatment ends?

Experts have turned their attention to the needs of post-surgical, recovering breast cancer patients by developing coordinated, personalized after-care plans. These programs teach patients strategies for coping with life after treatment and for living healthier lives – often emphasizing physical activity and nutrition.

For any breast cancer patient, certain lifestyle changes and programs can help a person move forward. Among the important lifestyle habits emphasized by breast cancer specialists are a healthy diet, 150 minutes of exercise a week, weight management and stress reduction. Physical activity, eating right, losing – or gaining – weight, if necessary, and stress reduction can improve both a person’s physical health and outlook.

If you’re a breast cancer survivor, the experts have two important tips:

• Exercise a minimum of five days a week, and aim for a goal of 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. This level of activity has been shown to reduce the reoccurrence of cancer and the risk of new tumors.
• Watch your weight, and strive to stay within a healthy body weight. There’s a body of scientific evidence that obese women have a greater risk of reoccurrence of breast cancer than women with lower weights.

Women shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for help from their local cancer communities. Support groups are a place where the participants share common experiences and feelings. Take advantage of support groups and seminars sponsored by area hospitals.

+ Ready to get active? Our personal trainers will help you lose weight and get fit – at your own pace.

+ Learn about our breast cancer rehabilitation program.

+ Find a breast cancer support group near you in Hampton Roads!