MADISON, Wis. — Finishing breast cancer treatment does not always mean the challenges are over.
Patients may continue to experience fear of recurrence, fatigue and changes in how they feel or function, said Dr. Kim Dittus, an oncologist at the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center.
The end of frequent medical appointments can also leave some patients unsure about what comes next, she said.
Treatment may affect a patient’s range of motion or contribute to lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling. Dittus recommends counseling and occupational therapy to help patients manage the transition after treatment.
“Exercise helps mental health challenges. It helps address any physical functional weaknesses that an individual may have developed with therapy. It decreases fatigue,” Dittus said. “So, if there’s one intervention I would recommend for everybody, it is to become more active and get moving.”
Dittus also recommends making healthy food choices and encourages patients to take an active role in their care.
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