Coping with the Stress of Cancer During the Holidays

Holidays are traditionally viewed as a time to celebrate. During this season, many people enjoy spending time with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and celebrating traditions.

However, according to experts, it is common for breast cancer patients and their loved ones to have trouble coping with the stress of cancer during the holidays and feel “out of touch” with the rest of the world during this time.

Tips to Help Cope with Cancer During the Holidays

1. Prioritize yourself: Accept where you are and take the pressure off yourself. If you are feeling tired and less social, know those feelings are normal. “Our stress hormones are in high gear when we’re going through cancer treatment,” shares Patricia Ganz, M.D., Director of Cancer Prevention and Control Research.

When faced with stressful situations, people often have high expectations for themselves and others. Let go of any expectations and allow yourself to be where you are emotionally and physically.

2. Adjust your traditions: Decide which holiday traditions are most important to you and adjust them to fit your needs. If you love hosting holiday parties, consider getting food delivered from a nearby restaurant and asking for help with cleaning and decorating. Set a holiday budget and shop online. These small changes will help you enjoy the Christmas season without becoming stressed.

3. Enjoy every moment: Focus on making new traditions with your loved ones instead of focusing on how cancer has changed a holiday or special occasion. If you can’t make it to every event, use FaceTime or Zoom to stay in touch with your friends and family.

4. Surround yourself with support: Communicate what you need physically and emotionally and don’t close yourself off from relationships. Talking through your emotions is important. It’s okay to let yourself cry and feel all the feelings. Find a significant other, friend, or family member who can help make the holidays as pleasurable as possible.

For Family and Friends

Managing your own emotions and worries while caring for someone with cancer during the holidays can be difficult to navigate. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Discuss expectations: It’s important to listen and be respectful of your loved one’s needs this holiday season.

2. Take the pressure off: Create an environment where your friend or loved one feels comfortable sharing their needs during this time. Continue to offer invitations and make plans, but don’t be offended if they aren’t able to attend.

3. Recognize when your loved one needs support: Pay special attention to their emotions. “You don’t even have to ask someone directly if they are depressed—you can ask about mood, sadness, and symptoms that may be indicators of depression, such as fatigue, trouble falling asleep, and trouble concentrating,” explains Ganz.

Let them know they are not alone and that it’s okay to ask for help. There are many resources available for patients and caregivers. Contact your loved one’s healthcare team for more information to ensure you are both getting the support you need.

You can find more information on managing stress during the holidays here.

Exercising During Chemotherapy: Why it’s Important and How to Start

According to a recent study in JACC, exercising during chemotherapy can greatly improve physical and mental health. Exercise is a crucial part of any cancer treatment plan. However, it is important to take your time and be patient with yourself as you start to gradually increase your activity levels. Let your body be your guide.

Even if you weren’t active before your cancer diagnosis, a fitness program that meets your individual needs can help you get moving safely and effectively. Physical activity can also help you cope with the common side effects of chemo and decrease your risk of new cancers in the future.

Benefits to Exercising During Chemotherapy

If you feel well enough to start exercising, getting more physically active can improve the body’s response to treatment regardless of the stage or type of cancer. Regular exercise has been shown to:

Reduce treatment-related fatigue
Maintain physical strength
Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
Reduce the amount of recovery time needed in the hospital
Help maintain weight
Improve quality of sleep

Exercising During Breast Cancer Treatment

Patients should start slowly and increase activity gradually. Always talk to your doctor before starting a program during cancer treatment. Start with walking and once you feel comfortable, you can work your way up to more brisk walks. If you feel you can push it more, try increasing amounts of aerobic exercise like running, swimming, or cycling.

After treatment, it will take time to return to your desired fitness level. Listen to your body and take rest days as you need them. Your healthcare team should be able to advise you on the best workout regimen for you or provide you with the guidance you need. You may have access to a local certified cancer exercise therapist who can create the ideal exercise plan for you.

As a general rule, the CDC recommends at least 2 days of full-body strength training each week for healthy adults, so consider using this as your long-term goal. A strength training program can include free weights, cardio machines, resistance bands, and your own body weight.

Your ideal individual exercise plan to start with will depend on:

The type of cancer you have
The treatments being used
The side effects you are experiencing
What you’re able to do physically

How to Exercise Safely During Breast Cancer Treatment

Make sure you start slowly, listen to your body, and drink plenty of fluids. Staying well hydrated is especially important if you are still going through chemotherapy, or experiencing side effects from your treatment.

What to Ask Your Healthcare Team

What type of exercise program do you suggest for me?
Do I need to refrain from doing any exercises while receiving treatment?
Do you recommend cancer rehab for me? If so, can you provide a referral?
Are there any exercises I can do at home?

As you get going, please remember everyone is different. This isn’t a competition. Just start moving and do what you can. Be patient with yourself and the rest will come. You’ve got this.

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Co-created by leading specialists and patient advocates, Breast Advocate® is a free breast cancer surgery app that provides ALL your surgical options along with evidence-based recommendations, personalized for you. Download our free app today!

Breast Cancer Recurrence Rates Low with Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery confirms that nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is a very safe procedure when performed in appropriate patients. Preserving the nipple-areola complex at the time of a mastectomy is associated with a very low risk of recurrence, just over 3%.

“Nipple-sparing mastectomy remains a viable option in the appropriately indicated patient with regards to long-term cancer recurrence,” state the researchers.

What is a Nipple Sparing Mastectomy?

A nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) preserves the nipple and areola along with the entire skin envelope. Only the underlying breast glandular tissue is removed. Nipple-sparing mastectomy significantly improves cosmetic results when combined with immediate breast reconstruction and is oncologically safe when performed in appropriate candidates. It can also improve the return of sensation in some patients.

The Research Behind the Study

120 patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment were evaluated for breast cancer outcomes. The analysis included a total of 126 therapeutic NSM procedures. Prophylactic (preventive) NSM procedures to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women at high genetic risk were excluded.

At a median follow-up of 10 years after NSM, the analysis showed a very low risk of recurrent cancer: 3.33% per patient and 3.17% per reconstructed breast. Of the four patients who developed a recurrence, two had local recurrences (breast-only) and two had cancer spread beyo0nd their breast (locoregional recurrence).

The recurrence risk was higher in women who’s initial cancer involved the lymph nodes. However, there were no demographic, surgical, or tumor-related variables that predicted the risk of recurrent breast cancer.

Reassuring Findings but Surveillance Still Important

The confirmation of favorable long-term cancer control is crucial because of the increased use of NSM and immediate reconstruction in women with breast cancer. “Patients with nipple-sparing mastectomies have had low locoregional recurrence rates in a retrospective review of patients with a median follow-up of 10 years,” researchers conclude. “Despite low rates of recurrence, close surveillance remains important to continually assess for long-term safety of nipple-sparing mastectomy.”

To learn more about Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy, download the FREE Breast Advocate App today!

Sexual Health Issues Common Among Women with Breast Cancer

It is common for women being treated for breast cancer to experience changes that affect their sexual health during, and after treatment, according to a recent study published in Acta Oncologica.

Just under 700 cancer patients were included in the study. Over 60% reported having some sort of sexual dysfunction. Lymphoma and cervical, ovarian, breast, and brain cancers were among the cancer types represented. In the cancer group, the mean age was 34.5 years, while in the control group, it was 29.7 years. The majority of people in both groups were heterosexual (93% in both groups) and had a partner (85% in the cancer cohort and 81% in the control cohort).

Overall, 63% of patients with cancer and 53% of the control group reported sexual dysfunction in at least 1 of the following:

satisfaction with sex life
interest in sexual activity
ability to orgasm
pleasure with orgasm
vaginal lubrication
vaginal discomfort
vulvar discomfort (clitoral or labial)

“A majority of women diagnosed with cancer before the age of 40 experience sexual dysfunction, and they do so to a significantly higher extent than young women of the general population,” the researchers concluded. “Women with gynecological and breast cancers reported more sexual dysfunction than the general population…. Our results underscore the need to routinely assess sexual health in clinical care and follow-up.”

How to manage sexual health issues

You’re not alone if you’re struggling with issues affecting your sexuality. Following a breast cancer diagnosis, sex and intimacy can be challenging for many women.

Below are ways to manage common sexual health issues:

Learn about the side effects of treatment: hormone therapy may cause a loss of desire as well as vaginal changes that can make sex painful.
Get help from a health care professional: many physical symptoms that affect your sex life or sexuality can be treated by your doctor.
Talk with your partner: open communication between you and your significant other is very important in getting back your sexuality.
Exercise: physical activity can help improve sexuality and body image and reduce anxiety and stress.

Learn more about sexual health needs after breast cancer.

Talking with your healthcare team about sexual health issues

Make a list of questions to ask your doctor or nurse as you consider the changes that treatment has made in your life. Think about including these on your list:

What sexual issues are common?
What sexual issues might I have during treatment?
When will these changes occur?
How long may these issues persist? Will they last forever?
How can these issues be avoided, dealt with, and/or managed?
Should I consult with a specialist to learn more?
Are there support groups that you recommend?

For more on body image and sexuality after breast cancer, head to the American Cancer Society.

Breast Cancer-Related Fatigue Can Impact Your Balance

According to a recent study, persistent cancer-related fatigue (CRF) seems to affect balance, independent of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms.

Cancer Fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates between 80% and 100% of cancer patients experience fatigue.

As a result of cancer fatigue, individuals constantly feel exhausted and even a good night’s sleep doesn’t help.

Cancer fatigue can last for weeks, months, or years and may even continue after you finish your treatment. There are several factors that can cause cancer fatigue including:

Effects of cancer itself
Cancer treatment: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, etc.
Anemia (low blood counts)
Pain
Prolonged extremes of emotion
Lack of sleep
Poor nutrition
Lack of exercise

Balance Problems

Another typical side effect that can occur after breast cancer treatment are balance issues. In addition to having difficulty walking and balancing, many people find it hard to move as they did before treatment, which increases their risk of falling.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is the pain or discomfort caused by damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Damage to those nerves can affect how the body sends signals to muscles, joints, skin, and internal organs causing pain, tingling, and numbness.

Neuropathy caused by chemotherapy is the main cause of balance issues and other physical problems among breast cancer patients.

The Research Behind the Study

The study included 43 women between the ages of 30 and 85 who had been diagnosed with stage I to stage III breast cancer. All the women had finished their chemo treatment about 3.5 years before joining the study.

The researchers performed physical function tests on the women. These tests included simple tasks such as balancing on one leg and standing up from a sitting position repeatedly. Researchers measured how much the women swayed, if any, after each test. The degree of swaying revealed the severity of balance issues the women had.

Women were asked to complete a survey asking if they had fatigue and how severe it was. The average fatigue score was 43.15, about 54% of the women had neuropathy in their feet. On a scale of 1 to 6, the average severity was 2.3.

“Our results…indicate that [cancer-related fatigue], even several years following exposure to chemotherapy, may distinctly influence balance independent of a patient’s [chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy] status,” explain the researchers. “This finding is important since persistent [cancer-related fatigue] affects up to 30% of individuals well beyond one year following completion of primary cancer treatment.”

What This Means

The study’s findings are concerning; however, they are important for anyone who has received chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Even if you don’t have neuropathy, you may experience balance issues if you have fatigue-like symptoms. You might experience even worse balance during physical tasks such as climbing stairs or walking for long periods of time.

Activities you can do to help improve your balance include:

Yoga
Light exercise to improve balance
Acupuncture
Working with a physical therapist or trainer

Learn more about cancer fatigue and how to cope here.

FDA Reports Rare Cancers in Scar Capsule Around Breast Implants

According to a recent report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas may develop in the capsule that forms around breast implants. The lymphomas are not the same as the breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) that prompted previous FDA announcements. The FDA learned about the newly associated cancer during a post-market review of breast implants.

It is very important to know that these cancers are extremely rare. Less than 20 cases of SCC and fewer than 30 cases of lymphoma were found in the capsule around a breast implant.

“After an initial extensive review, we currently believe that the risk [for squamous cell carcinoma] and other lymphomas occurring in the tissue around breast implants is rare,” said Binita Ashar, MD, director of the Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “However, in this case, and when safety risks with medical devices are identified, we wanted to provide clear and understandable information to the public as quickly as possible.”

The Type of Implant Probably Doesn’t Matter

The type of implant appears to be irrelevant – all types of implants (smooth, textured, saline, and silicone) have been linked to SCC and lymphomas in the scar capsule around the implants. In some cases, women were diagnosed years after the placement of their implants. Some signs and symptoms include swelling, pain, lumps, or skin changes.

If you are considering breast implants or currently have them, the FDA recommends the following:

Ensure you are fully educated about the risks and benefits of breast implants.
Be aware that cases of SCC and various lymphomas in the capsule around the breast implant have been reported, but they are rare.
You should monitor your breasts and implants by regular self-exam and contact your plastic surgeon about any changes.
File a report through MedWatch if you experience any problems.

What Doctors Should Know

If you are a healthcare professional caring for patients with breast implants, the FDA recommends you:

Be aware that cases of SCC and lymphomas in the capsule around the breast implant have been reported.
When examining breast implant specimens for diagnostic evaluation, characterize all findings and potential diagnoses.
Report cases of SCC, lymphomas, and any other cancers in the capsule around the breast implant to the FDA.

The FDA said their consumer and healthcare recommendations don’t affect the previously provided suggestions on BIA-ALCL. They are continuously assessing the post-market safety of approved breast implants and will communicate any findings as soon as new information is available.

If you would like to learn more about ALL your breast reconstruction options, download the Breast Advocate App free today!

Breast Cancer: When to Get a Second Opinion?

Considering a second opinion? It is important to know you can get a second opinion at any time during your treatment. This can be very helpful to ensure you are as comfortable as possible with your treatment plan. If you are considering getting another opinion however, we recommend you do so at the beginning of your cancer care if possible to allow for a change in treatment if needed.

“Anytime a patient is given a diagnosis that is maybe not the most common, or maybe has some intricacies or nuances, then it’s probably a good idea to meet with multiple physicians who can give opinions on treatment plans for that unique diagnosis,” says Dr. Jessica Burns, a breast cancer surgeon for ProMedica, and Dr. Christopher Lutman, a gynecologic oncologist with Mercy Health in a recent article.

At first, it might feel like you are doubting your doctor’s judgment, however, it’s a fairly common request that doctors are used to hearing.

When to Consider a Second Opinion

After biopsy results: The biopsy involves taking a small sample of the breast mass or area of concern to examine it for malignant (cancerous) cells. Any discrepancy by the pathologist who interprets the results could make a difference in your diagnosis and the treatment approach the is recommended. When considering a second pathology opinion, check the service is “in-network” and covered by your insurance plan.

Before surgery: Getting a second opinion from another breast surgeon or plastic surgeon can be helpful if you are unsure about the type of breast cancer surgery or reconstruction you should have. The decision between having a lumpectomy or mastectomy, and equally choosing aesthetic flat closure or breast reconstruction, can be extremely personal. There is often no “right” or “wrong”; only what is best for you. Given the variety of breast reconstruction options available, it is a good idea to consult with more than one plastic surgeon if you are considering reconstruction, especially if you are considering of the more complex procedures like the DIEP flap. Just as some breast surgeons don’t offer oncoplastic surgery at the time as a lumpectomy, some plastic surgeons don’t offer microsurgical flap options.

When planning treatment after surgery: Treatment options after surgery can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapies. The best treatment for you will depend on the details of your diagnosis, the pathology results from surgery, and your individual needs. Sometimes, the recommendations can be very clear-cut based on well-established guidelines. Occasionally, the situation isn’t so clear and a second opinion from another specialist can be very helpful to help you navigate your options.

During treatment: If the treatment plan isn’t working, you have treatment-related issues your doctor can’t resolve, or you aren’t comfortable with an aspect of your care, it’s likely worth seeking a second opinion.

After treatment: Even if you’ve already finished treatment, you may still benefit from an alternative perspective when it comes to a survivorship care plan. Unfortunately, it’s after treatment that many patients feel the most lost. If you don’t feel you have the support or guidance you need from your medical team, it may be beneficial to get a second opinion.

Helpful Resources

If you are already confident with your original physician’s/team’s treatment recommendations, that’s great! Other resources you can explore that can provide additional support include reputable online support groups and the Breast Advocate App.

Aesthetic Flat Closure: What You Need to Know

A recent study in PRS Global Open shows an increasing trend in women choosing aesthetic flat closure after a mastectomy. This is the decision to remove both breasts and create a truly flat chest wall contour instead of having breast reconstruction. There are many potential reasons someone may make this choice, including the desire:

– to avoid breast implants

– to avoid the additional scarring associated with flap surgery

– to decrease recovery time and time off work

– to minimize the number of surgeries

– to decrease the risk of complications

– to minimize out-of-pocket costs

Regardless of the type of mastectomy being performed, all mastectomies remove the breast tissue. However, many women are unhappy with the way their chest appears after a mastectomy without reconstruction, due to residual skin folds or tissue (known as “dog ears”) that is often left behind by traditional techniques.

Unfortunately, some patients report they were not given the choice to go flat by their surgeons. Others have experienced “flat denial” – this is when “a surgeon’s unilateral actions deny their patient the agreed-upon flat closure, either through negligence or intentional disregard” (N otPuttingonaShirt.org).

Thoroughly discussing your preferences and expectations with your surgical team ahead of time is important to ensure that, if needed, certain surgical techniques are incorporated to provide the best final contour and a true cosmetically-appealing flat result.

Due to the increasing demand for flat closures after mastectomy, there has been a welcomed increase in focus within the plastic surgery community on improving patient outcomes after going flat.

Who is a candidate for aesthetic flat closure?

People in the following situations may wish to consider going flat:

– anyone considering mastectomy because of a breast cancer diagnosis

– anyone considering prophylactic (risk-reducing) surgery because they are at high risk of developing breast cancer

– those who have already had surgery as part of their breast cancer treatment and now wish to be symmetric without reconstruction, with a truly flat chest contour

– anyone who has had breast reconstruction already, is unhappy with their results, and now prefers to go flat instead

Who offers aesthetic flat closure?

Aesthetic flat closure may be performed by a breast cancer surgeon alone or in collaboration with a plastic surgeon colleague.

Many of the techniques used to ensure a flat chest contour are actually plastic surgery techniques (eg V-Y advancement, local tissue rearrangement). Due to the increase in awareness of aesthetic flat closure in the breast cancer community, these techniques are more widely discussed and taught as part of breast surgery training. This will hopefully lead to more surgeons feeling comfortable offering this procedure.

Plastic surgeons are also often asked to perform revision surgery if an aesthetic flat closure was not performed at the time of the mastectomy.

Tips on making a breast surgery choice

When considering aesthetic flat closure, or any other surgical procedure, it’s important to:

– Take the time you need to research all your options using reputable sources.

– Look at before and after photos to help you figure out how you’d like to look.

– Research your surgeon to ensure they routinely perform the procedure you choose.

– Talk extensively with others who have had the surgery you are considering, preferably with the same surgical team.

By asking these questions and taking the time to research your options, you will maximize your chances of having a good outcome that meets your expectations.

Does my insurance cover aesthetic flat closure?

Insurance companies typically cover going flat as part of breast cancer-related or risk-reducing mastectomies. Prior to scheduling surgery, it’s important to speak with your insurance company and make sure your surgical team has confirmed that it will be covered by insurance.

Download our FREE Breast Advocate App to learn more about going flat (aesthetic flat closure).

Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Lead to Breast Cancer?

What is HRT?

According to the Mayo Clinic, hormone replacement therapy is a medication that contains female hormones. You take the medication to replace the estrogen that your body stops making during menopause. Hormone therapy is most often used to treat common menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal discomfort.

The Science Behind the Study

Aromatase inhibitors can have a variety of side effects, including genitourinary problems associated with menopause such as vaginal dryness, itchiness, burning, overactive bladder, and urinary incontinence. Although these symptoms may be alleviated by the use of vaginal estrogen therapy (VET) or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), there are concerns the therapies can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and death following treatment.

A large Danish observational cohort study concluded neither VET or MHT is linked with an increased risk of recurrence or mortality. However, a subgroup analysis discovered a higher risk of recurrence in women undergoing VET with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors, but not a higher risk of mortality.

Study Methods

The study included 8,461 postmenopausal Danish women between the ages of 35 to 95 years old who had been diagnosed with early-stage invasive ER-positive breast cancer between 1997 and 2004. Chemotherapy had not been given to the women. The individuals were randomly assigned to receive either 5 years of tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, or both treatments in a sequence.

The researchers determined prescription data on hormone therapy, VET, or MHT from Denmark’s national prescription registry.

What Are the Results?

Among the 8,461 women who did not receive VET or MHT before their breast cancer diagnosis, 1,957 and 133 used VET and MHT after their diagnosis. The median follow-up for recurrence was 9.8 years, and for mortality, it was 15.2 years.

“In postmenopausal women treated for early-stage ER-positive breast cancer, neither VET nor MHT was associated with increased risk of recurrence or mortality. A subgroup analysis revealed an increased risk of recurrence, but not mortality, in patients receiving VET with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors,” concluded the authors of the study.

For more on HRT and breast cancer, head to the American Cancer Society.

The Breast Advocate® App is the World’s first breast cancer surgery shared decision-making app. Download it for free here.

Parabens: May Be the Reasons for Higher Breast Cancer Risk in Black Women

Do Parabens Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer for Black Women

According to new research, chemicals called parabens, which are common ingredients in everyday hair and personal care products, can encourage breast cancer cells in Black women.

In the United States, one in eight women will get breast cancer during their lifetime. Black women are more likely than any other racial or ethnic group to develop breast cancer before the age of 40.

“One reason for the higher risk of breast cancer may be exposure to harmful chemicals called endocrine-disrupting chemicals in hair and personal care products. These chemicals mimic the effects of hormones on the body.” shares lead researcher, Lindsey S. Treviño, Ph.D.

What Are Parabens?

Parabens are common preservative ingredients used in cosmetic, personal hygiene, and food products to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. The greatest exposure is believed to be through personal care products. Parabens enter the body via the skin or digestive system and have been detected in human tissues, blood, breast milk, placenta, and urine.

The Science Behind the Study

The study tested the effects of parabens on breast cancer cells from Black women. In both Black and white women, parabens increased expression of genes linked to hormone action in breast cancer cell lines. However, parabens only increased the growth of certain breast cancer cells in black women.

“These results provide new data that parabens also cause harmful effects in breast cancer cells from Black women,” Treviño said.

“While this project focuses on Black women, the knowledge we gain about the link between exposure to harmful chemicals in personal care products and breast cancer risk can be used to help all women at high risk of getting breast cancer,” concludes Treviño.

What Are the Top Tips to Avoid Exposure?

Look for products labeled as “paraben-free.”
Choose products that do not contain water as these don’t need preservatives.
Avoid products that list parabens as ingredients. There are many different types. Some common parabens to look out for include:
- Propylparaben
- Butyparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Methylparaben
Look for natural alternatives like grapefruit seed extract, honey, jojoba and vitamins A, C, and E.
Choose USDA organic personal and cosmetic products that are free of parabens and chemical preservatives.

If you are facing surgery for breast cancer we want you to know you are not alone. Breast Advocate® provides evidence-based information and customized recommendations based on your diagnosis, personal preferences and values. It’s your treatment… our mission is to empower you to have the conversation you want to have with your doctors. Download the latest version of the Breast Advocate® app today.