How do you know if you are high risk of cancer returning and any tips on trying to manage anxiety I have my first mammogram on my right boob after left mastectomy and node clearance
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Hello mlp74,
Thanks for posting.
Nearly everyone who has been treated for cancer worries about it coming back (recurrence) and you’re not alone in being anxious about this. The uncertainty and fear of breast cancer returning is very real. At first, every ache or pain may frighten you, but most people find the anxiety lessens as the time goes on.
As your annual mammogram approaches you may find you feel more anxious. We’d encourage you to give us a call to talk this through our helpline details are below.
Your individual risk of recurrence will depend on different factors, and your treatment team can let you know more about this. It’s important to remember though that some woman may have a higher risk of recurrence, but the cancer never returns (and vice versa). Most people treated for primary breast cancer do not have a recurrence.
Adapting to life after treatment can be difficult and often the need for information and support continues. Some people may benefit from talking therapy, such as counselling, to explore ways of managing these worries and concerns. You can speak to your treatment team or GP about this. Some people find mindfulness can also be helpful.
You may be interested in our resources that are particularly for those who have come to the end of their hospital-based treatment. These are known as our Moving forward services and include our Moving Forward book and Moving Forward courses. Our Someone Like Me service may also be helpful.
You may be interested in getting support with Life after cancer from the organisation Future Dreams.
Dr Peter Harvey a Consultant Clinical Psychologist wrote about how people can feel after treatment has finished. Although the article is many years old and not specific to breast cancer the emotional issues discussed remain relevant. You can read this through the following link
After the treatment has finished - Then what?
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
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Best wishes,
Jane
Breast Care Nurse
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