Can lifestyle changes prevent breast cancer recurrence at 67?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 67-year-old mom has been treated for HR-positive breast cancer and is currently out of danger. I would like to know how we can prevent a relapse.

Are there any lifestyle changes, medications, or therapies that could help lower the chances of cancer returning? How often should she have follow-up visits or screenings, and are there any warning signs to watch for? Any advice on long-term management and maintaining her health would be greatly appreciated.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

The risk of recurrence for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is relatively high, with about fifty percent of recurrences happening within five years after the initial diagnosis. The average risk of recurrence for early-stage HR-positive cancer is around one percent per year for at least twenty years. About twenty-five percent of women with estrogen receptor-positive tumors have a forty-two to fifty-five percent chance of recurrence within twenty years.

Hormone therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence and may be continued for at least five years. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan and avoid alcohol, dehydroepiandrosterone, licorice, red clover, and soy supplements during treatment, as they can affect estrogen levels. A balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods and minimally processed foods can also help improve overall health and energy.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Thank you.