a Survivor

The most important thing you can do after breast cancer treatment is follow up with your doctor as recommended. If you haven’t discussed a post-treatment plan with your doctor, it is important to do that so you can both be on the same page during this new phase.

Secondly, do what you can to take care of your physical health. There is some research out there that indicates that excessive consumption of alcohol, trans fats, and sugar could influence the development of breast cancer, so you may choose to moderate or eliminate these foods from your diet. Obesity, particularly post-menopause, influences the development of breast cancer, so do what you can to be at a healthy weight. Physical activity has benefits to preventing the development of breast cancer outside of reducing obesity, so get moving!

Before you embark on any new exercise routine or major dietary change, be sure to consult your doctor.

Here are some resources on how to take care of your physical health post-treatment:

VBCF: About Survivorship Care Plans

VBCF: Fatigue

VBCF: Neuropathy

Cancer Survivor Care Plan

Care for Your Body After Treatment

The Body After Treatment

The physical after-effects of cancer treatment aren’t the only things that linger. You may have a pervasive fear of a cancer recurrence. Issues with body image and the loss of constant support from doctors, family, and friends once treatment ends are also serious emotional issues that breast cancer survivors must deal with. Everyone experiences the emotions that come with survivorship in different ways, but if you are struggling with any of these issues, here are resources that may help.

VBCF: Chemo Brain

Moving on After Treatment

Your Emotions After Treatment

If you want to be connected to the survivor community after you are finished your treatment, there are a number of options. Check out VBCF’s Take Action section to help educate people across Virginia about breast health and advocate for improved health policies. Your local hospital may also have a survivorship care program. Here are additional links to groups:

SISTERS NETWORK

CANCER SURVIVORS NETWORK

Breast cancer is more than a pink ribbon. It is a life changing experience that can leave some people with the desire to take action to improve the lives of patients and survivors, or even to fight for the eradication of breast cancer. VBCF is also passionate about advocacy, and we lead both a state and national advocacy day every year. VBCF was founded in 1991 by five women who wanted to make a difference in the lives of people with breast cancer in Virginia, so never underestimate what a few voices can accomplish.

There are also national organizations that are committed to advocacy in the breast cancer world. Breast Cancer Action, which is behind the Think Before You Pink movement, is working to help consumers become more educated about buying “pink” products and aims to tackle breast cancer on a more systemic rather than individual level. Susan G. Komen has opportunities to either become a legislative advocate or a scientific advocate, and the National Breast Cancer Coalition has multiple avenues for advocacy as well, including their Project LEAD scientific education course.