What Factors are Involved in the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence?

While breast cancer can often be treated when it is caught early enough, it may recur in some women. Some of the factors of breast cancer recurrence are within the control of the women who have survived an initial diagnosis, while others are not able to be prevented. For example, unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking, and being obese, can contribute to recurrence of breast cancer. On the other hand, opting for radiation therapy may reduce the chances of getting this cancer again. Unfortunately, some factors that increase the chances of recurrence cannot be controlled, such as age, tumor size, and involvement of the lymph nodes.

Women who are determined to stay free of cancer by living a healthy lifestyle can in fact reduce their chances of breast cancer recurrence. This is because obese women typically have a much higher chance of getting cancer a second time than those in the ideal weight range. Indulging in several alcoholic drinks per week can also greatly increase the risk of a recurrence, while smoking may result in an even higher risk. Not surprisingly, women who both drink and smoke frequently tend to have a particularly high chance of breast cancer recurrence. Thus, staying away from these behaviors, as well as being at a healthy weight, can often reduce the risks.

Another way to reduce the risks of breast cancer recurrence is to get radiation therapy, which is why many doctors recommend it after either a lumpectomy or mastectomy. This is especially true when the cancer is also found in the lymph nodes, since it is more likely to come back when it has spread to this area before. Additionally, those who had a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy for the initial cancer may be warned by their doctor that the edge of the removed tumor had cancer cells, which means that some may be left behind after surgery. This is often called a positive margin, and those who have this issue are usually at higher risk of getting cancer again. While women cannot typically control whether the cancer will spread to their lymph nodes or stay behind after tumor removal, they can choose to get radiation therapy in order to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Age is one more factor in the chances of breast cancer recurrence, as those who were initially diagnosed before age 35 are more likely to get it again. In addition, women with large tumors, such as over two inches (about 5 cm), may be more likely to experience recurrence. Unfortunately, these factors cannot be controlled, but it may be helpful to take advantage of the ones that can be, such as radiation therapy and positive lifestyle changes.