Author: Molly Lindquist
Medically reviewed by Dr. Doug Blayney on August 30, 2024.
Introduction
Finishing treatment for early stage (that is stage I or II) breast cancer is a big milestone. You've been through a lot, and now you're starting a new chapter. It's normal to wonder what comes next. This article will help you understand what life might look like 5 and 10 years after your treatment ends. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and in control of your health.
What To Expect 5 Years After Breast Cancer Treatment
Five years after treatment is a big milestone! While treatment has been done for a while, you’ve likely been navigating new things that pop up here and there (both physically and emotionally) as a result of your cancer experience (ahhhh cancer, the gift that keeps on giving!). Some things you’ll be thinking about:
Follow-Up Care
Even though your main treatment is over, you'll still need to see your doctor regularly. These check-ups are important to make sure you're staying healthy. Your doctor will ask how you're feeling, probe for symptoms and side effects of any treatment you’re taking, and might do some tests.
Mammograms
You'll need to keep getting mammograms or other breast imaging to check your breasts (unless you’ve had a bilateral mastectomy like me, and then you’ll likely have a different surveillance protocol). Your doctor will tell you how often you should have them. These scans help catch any changes in your breasts early.
Bone Density Tests
Some breast cancer treatments can make your bones weaker (less dense). That's why you might need bone density tests. These tests check how strong your bones are and help your doctor decide if you need any treatment to keep them healthy.
Pelvic Exams
If you're taking certain medicines for breast cancer, you might need regular pelvic exams. These check-ups help make sure the rest of your body is staying healthy too.
Side Effects
Some side effects from your treatment might still be around. Things like feeling tired, having trouble concentrating, depression, sexual difficulties, or changes in how your arm feels are common. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you're having. There are often ways to help you feel better.
What To Expect 10 Years After Breast Cancer Treatment
I was so excited when I hit ten years post-treatment! Every day is a gift, but those bit milestones can feel particularly sweet. On the flip side, they can also cause you to feel sad, reminded of a time in life that was super challenging (to put it lightly!). All those feelings are okay to experience – everyone deals with milestones in their own way. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support though as you’re still processing through some major changes to your life. You also might be thinking about:
Adjuvant Therapy
Some people take medicine for many years after their main treatment to help prevent the cancer from coming back. By 10 years, you might be finishing this long-term treatment. Talk to your doctor about what this means for you.
Modifications to Implants
If you had breast reconstruction with implants, you might need to have them checked or replaced. This is normal and helps make sure everything is still working well.
Recurrence and Second Cancers
It's natural to worry about cancer coming back or getting a new cancer. The good news is that the longer you're cancer-free, the lower your risk. Still, it's important to stay on top of your check-ups and tell your doctor about any new symptoms.
Health Maintenance and Lifestyle Changes
And of course, this wouldn’t be an article about survivorship without a discussion about lifestyle modifications after cancer. I’m not going to lie, I am not perfect when it comes to the whole “diet and exercise” thing. But I also try not to beat myself up about that. We all do the best we can, but here are some things to keep in mind:
Health Maintenance After Breast Cancer
Taking care of your overall health is really important. This includes getting regular check-ups, staying up to date on vaccinations, and taking care of any other health issues you might have.
Diet and Nutrition
Eating healthy can help you feel your best. Try to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you're not sure what to eat, ask your doctor or a nutritionist for advice. (Also, if you happen to have a bad day filled with pizza and desserts, don’t beat yourself up (this is clearly a message directly to myself!).
Physical Activity and Exercise
Staying active is great for your body and mind. It can help you feel stronger and more energetic. Even a little bit of exercise, like a daily walk, can make a big difference.
Engaging with Friends, Family and Community
Simple things like regularly talking with family and friends, avoiding loneliness, and engaging in group activities around your interests and hobbies can actually be life prolonging – for you and for others. Don’t underestimate the good you can do by reaching out.
Resources and support for breast cancer survivors
The Manta Cares team is composed of cancer survivors, caregivers and oncologists - so we truly understand the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis because we’ve been there. We are here to walk with you as you go through your own cancer experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are even developing disease-specific step-by-step maps to show you all the paths you might face during your cancer experience and connect you with relevant support and resources. Sign up for access to our Manta Maps here.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our free resources like our Chemotherapy Checklist for Caregivers, Financial Checklist for Cancer Treatment and more. We also put out a bi-weekly podcast called the Patient from Hell to educate, empower and hopefully inspire you as you go through this crappy experience. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Dealing with cancer as a patient or caregiver can feel really lonely. Just know that you are not alone in this experience.
Also Read:
- Why Do Women Lose Breast Sensation After Mastectomy?
- Should You Still Have Mammograms After Age 75?
- Updated Mammogram Screening Guidelines for Preventative Breast Cancer Screening
Related Podcast:
- The Complexity of Breast Density & Breast Cancer Imaging
- Breast Cancer recurrence detection with caregiver turned oncologist Dr. Fumiko Chino
Conclusion
Life after breast cancer treatment can be a rollercoaster as you try to find your “new normal.” It’s important to celebrate the wins and give yourself grace on the tough days. Everyone’s experience is different, and there’s no right way to experience cancer.
FAQs on What To Expect 5 & 10 Years After Breast Cancer Treatment
Q: Can you live 20 years after breast cancer treatment?
Ans - Yes, many people live 20 years or more after breast cancer treatment. Survival rates have improved a lot over the years thanks to better treatments and earlier detection. Your chances depend on things like the stage of your cancer when it was found and the type of breast cancer you had.
Q: Do you ever get back to normal after breast cancer?
Ans - Many people find a "new normal" after breast cancer. You might have some lasting changes from treatment, but most survivors say they adjust over time. It's okay if your "normal" looks different now - focus on healing and doing things that make you feel good.
Q: Is your immune system compromised if you have had breast cancer?
Ans - Some breast cancer treatments can temporarily weaken your immune system. But for most people, immune function improves after treatment ends. Talk to your doctor about ways to boost your immune system, like eating well and staying active.
Q: How long can you live after breast cancer treatment?
Ans - Many people live for decades after breast cancer treatment. Your outlook depends on many factors, including the stage and type of your cancer. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help improve your long-term health.
Q: What is the 10-year survival rate for breast cancer?
Ans - The 10-year survival rate for breast cancer is about 84% overall. This means 84 out of 100 people diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive 10 years later. For early-stage cancers, the rate is even higher - over 90% for stage 1.
Q: How do you prevent estrogen-positive breast cancer recurrence?
Ans - To help prevent recurrence of estrogen-positive breast cancer:
- Take your hormone therapy medicines as prescribed
- Stay at a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables
- Keep up with all your follow-up appointments and tests
Remember, these are general answers. Your doctor can give you more specific information based on your individual situation.
Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.