Updated on October 23, 2024.
Having had breast cancer previously puts you at risk for metastatic breast cancer. In this video, Darria Long Gillespie, MD, explains some of the ways to reduce the chance of breast cancer coming back.
Medically reviewed in June 2018.
Transcript
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Over three million women in America live with a history of breast cancer. Most will continue to be cancer free,
but a minority of these women may experience a cancer recurrence in sites beyond the breast and its surrounding lymph nodes.
The best thing you can do to lower your risk of cancer recurrence is to take care of yourself. After completing your initial cancer treatment,
keep up with your regular medications and health screenings like mammograms and annual physicals. Healthy lifestyle changes can not only
improve your well-being but further reduce your breast cancer recurrence risk. Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight,
quitting smoking, and drinking less alcohol are all important. Healthy eating may also reduce the chances
of breast cancer returning. That includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, as well as regular fiber intake, fish,
and limited red meat. Take your best shot at keeping breast cancer from coming back by taking these preventive steps and working closely
