Overview

Breast cancer supportive therapy and survivorship services are offered during and after breast cancer treatment to help you feel better.

Breast cancer supportive therapy includes a wide variety of services to manage issues surrounding a cancer diagnosis, as well as the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatment.

Your breast cancer survivorship services may include:

Follow-up tests to look for signs of cancer recurrence or complications of cancer treatment
Appointments or other resources to manage lingering side effects of cancer treatment

Your specific needs during breast cancer treatment will determine the types of supportive therapy or survivorship services that may be helpful to you.

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Why it's done

The goal of breast cancer supportive therapy and survivorship services is to help you feel better during and after cancer treatment.

If symptoms such as pain and distress are under control, you may be more likely to be able to complete your treatments. And having a plan for your care after cancer treatment can help you focus on recovery and healing so that you can return to the activities you enjoyed before your cancer diagnosis.

Your breast cancer supportive therapy might include attention to:

Symptom control, such as management of pain and menopausal symptoms
Emotional concerns, such as sadness and distress
Other health problems that might complicate cancer treatment, such as heart disease
Therapy to aid recovery after treatment, such as physical therapy for arm swelling or shoulder stiffness after surgery, radiation therapy, or both

Your breast cancer survivorship services might include:

Follow-up appointments with your health care provider
Discussion of the signs and symptoms that might indicate a cancer recurrence or complications from therapy
Continuing treatment for physical or emotional concerns that continue after treatment ends
Recommendations for lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight loss, to help your recovery and reduce your risk of cancer recurrence

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By Mayo Clinic Staff

Breast cancer supportive therapy and survivorship care at Mayo Clinic

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Oct. 25, 2022

AskMayoExpert. Breast cancer survivorship. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2015.
Stan D, et al. Breast cancer survivorship issues. Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America. 2013;27:805.
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Searching for cancer centers. American College of Surgeons. https://www.facs.org/search/cancer-programs. Accessed August 2, 2017.

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