Long-Term Effects of Breast Cancer Therapy and Care: Calm after the Storm?

Abstract

Breast cancer is still a lethal disease and the leading cause of death in women, undermining patients’ survival and quality of life. Modern techniques of surgery and radiotherapy allow for the obtaining of good results in terms of survival, however they cause long-term side effects that persist over time, such as lymphedema and neuropathy. Similarly, the advent of new therapies such as endocrine therapy revolutionized breast cancer outcomes, but side effects are still present even in years of follow-up after cure. Besides the side effects of medical and surgical therapy, breast cancer is a real disruption in patients’ lives considering quality of life-related aspects such as the distortion of body image, the psychological consequences of the diagnosis, and the impact on family dynamics. Therefore, the doctor-patient relationship is central to providing the best support both during treatment and afterwards. The aim of this review is to summarize the consequences of medical and surgical treatment on breast cancer patients and to emphasize the importance of early prevention of side effects to improve patients’ quality of life.

Sexual quality of life of adolescents and young adult breast cancer survivors

“… 64 Another explanation might be the fact that patients undergoing a BCS almost always undergo additional radiotherapy to the breast, which can cause long-term side-effects such as pain and fibrosis of the breast and can negatively impact HRQoL, particularly among younger survivors. 57 , 65 , 66 , 67 Additionally, women who have undergone BCS may tend to think more about cancer recurrence causing fear, which may influence their overall HRQoL and, subsequently, their sexual QoL. 68 …”

Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy among Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivors : Prevalence, Risk Factors, Quality of Life and Genetic Prediction Models

“…Breast cancer surgery, especially axillary lymph node dissection (54), disrupts blood vessels, nerves, and lymph-vessels which may cause upper limb lymphedema and impact QoL (55). Breast cancer surgery may also lead to 'phantom breast pain' and shoulder problems (56). Adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with several side effects, including pneumonitis months after treatment and late lung fibrosis in the radiotherapy field (57).…”

Ricinodendron heudelotii (Euphorbiaceae) seed oil prevents DMBA-induced breast cancer under menopause-like conditions in Wistar rats

“…Drugs used to treat this deadly disease include tamoxifen (an anti-estrogen hormone therapy), doxorubicin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy drugs) ( Chaurasia et al, 2023 ). However, limitations have been associated with the use of these anticancer drugs including their high cost and long-term adverse effects (cardio-toxicity and endometrial cancer) ( Tommasi et al, 2022 ). Alternatively, natural substances have been used to combat cancers, particularly in developing countries where 80% of individuals resort to herbal remedies.…”