Self-management for Breast Cancer

Goals of Breast Cancer Self-Management

Many healthcare organizations encourage breast self-awareness, which means becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. A breast self-exam can be one way to notice changes that may warrant discussion with a healthcare professional.

Self-management for breast cancer has several goals that aim to support survivors during their recovery and beyond. These goals include:

Exercise: Breast cancer survivors are encouraged to engage in regular physical activity as part of their self-management. Exercise can help improve physical strength, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall well-being.
Healthy diet and weight maintenance: Maintaining a healthy diet and weight is important for breast cancer survivors. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide essential nutrients and support overall health.
Adherence to endocrine treatments: Many breast cancer survivors are prescribed endocrine (hormone) treatments to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Self-management involves following the prescribed treatment regimen and taking medications as directed.
Psychological support: Breast cancer survivors may experience emotional challenges during their recovery journey. Self-management involves seeking psychological support, such as counseling or support groups, to address anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Self-efficacy improvement: Self-efficacy refers to a person's confidence in successfully completing a task. Self-management interventions aim to improve self-efficacy through various strategies, including learning information, setting motivating goals, self-evaluation, and achieving those goals.
Symptom management: Breast cancer survivors may experience ongoing treatment side effects or post-treatment symptoms. Self-management includes learning how to recognize and manage these symptoms effectively.
Quality of life enhancement: Self-management interventions can significantly improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors by enabling self-care, mindfulness-based stress reduction, improved management of medical and emotional tasks, and overall well-being.

It's important for breast cancer survivors to have access to simple and cost-effective strategies that support them throughout their recovery journey. By actively engaging in self-management practices, survivors can take control of their health and well-being while living with breast cancer as a chronic disease.

Breast Self-Awareness and Self-Management Plan

Breast self-awareness means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel so you can notice a new or unusual change. It is not a substitute for regular breast cancer screening, such as mammograms, when recommended for your age and personal risk. If you notice a change, contact a healthcare professional so they can decide whether you need an exam or imaging test.

What to watch for:

A new lump, hard area, or thickening in the breast, chest, underarm, or near the collarbone
A change in the size, shape, or appearance of one breast
Skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, warmth, scaling, flaking, or thickening
A nipple that turns inward, changes position, or looks different than usual
Nipple discharge that is new, happens without squeezing, comes from one breast, or is bloody or clear
New breast or nipple pain in one spot that does not go away

How to check your breasts:

Look at your breasts in a mirror with your arms at your sides and then raised. Notice any changes in shape, skin, or nipples.
Use the pads of your fingers to feel the whole breast and chest area. Some people find this easiest in the shower or while lying down.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure so you can feel tissue at different depths.
Check from the collarbone to the bra line or lower breast fold, and from the center of the chest to the underarm.
Try to use the same approach each time so it is easier to notice what is new or different.

When to check:

You do not need to do a formal exam on a strict schedule unless your healthcare professional recommends it. The most important step is to know what is normal for you.
If you choose to check regularly, once a month can help you build a routine.
If you have menstrual periods, checking a few days after your period ends may be more comfortable because breasts are often less tender or swollen.

What to do if you notice a change:

Contact a healthcare professional if you notice a new lump or any change that is unusual for you, especially if it does not go away after your next period or within a few weeks.
Seek care promptly for nipple discharge that is bloody or clear, skin dimpling, a nipple that turns inward, or swelling, redness, warmth, or thickening of the breast skin.
Most breast changes are not cancer, but it is still important to have new or concerning changes checked.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Breast Health

Healthy habits cannot guarantee that breast cancer will be prevented or that it will not come back. However, they can support overall health and may help lower the risk of some cancers and other health conditions. If you have breast cancer, are in treatment, or have other medical conditions, ask your healthcare team which changes are right for you.

Nutrition:

Build meals around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans or lentils, and other high-fiber foods.
Choose lean proteins such as fish, poultry, beans, lentils, tofu, eggs, or low-fat dairy, based on your preferences and health needs.
Choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocado, in appropriate portions.
Limit highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in added sugars. Limit red and processed meats when possible.
Drink water regularly. If treatment side effects make eating or drinking difficult, ask your care team or a registered dietitian for support.
It is safest not to drink alcohol. If you choose to drink, talk with your healthcare professional about what amount, if any, is appropriate for you.

Physical activity:

Aim to move regularly and sit less. Many adults are encouraged to work toward at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing, or swimming.
Add strength-building activities, such as light weights, resistance bands, or body-weight exercises, if your healthcare team says they are safe for you.
Start slowly if you are new to exercise or recovering from treatment. Even short walks or gentle stretching can be a helpful first step.
If you have pain, dizziness, new swelling, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms during activity, stop and contact your healthcare team.

Sleep:

Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, if possible.
Try to go to bed and wake up at about the same time each day.
Create a calming bedtime routine, such as reading, stretching gently, or taking a warm bath.
Tell your healthcare team if pain, hot flashes, anxiety, medication side effects, or other symptoms are making it hard to sleep.

Stress and emotional well-being:

Try stress-reducing practices such as slow breathing, mindfulness, meditation, prayer, journaling, yoga, or gentle movement.
Stay connected with people who support you, such as family, friends, peer support groups, or faith and community groups.
Ask for help if worry, sadness, sleep problems, or stress feel overwhelming or interfere with daily life. Counseling, support groups, and other resources can help.

These suggestions are general. Your healthcare team can help you make a plan that fits your diagnosis, treatment, medications, symptoms, culture, budget, and personal goals.