Breast cancer survivors often focus on preventing a recurrence of their original disease, but also consider the risk of developing a new, unrelated cancer. This phenomenon, known as a secondary cancer, can emerge years after initial breast cancer treatment. Understanding these risks is important for comprehensive survivorship care. This article identifies common types after breast cancer, examines influencing factors, and outlines proactive steps for management and prevention.
Understanding Secondary Cancer
A secondary cancer is a new and distinct cancer that develops in a patient previously treated for cancer. This differs significantly from metastatic breast cancer, where original breast cancer cells spread to other body parts. In metastatic breast cancer, the cells remain breast cancer cells. Conversely, a secondary cancer involves different types of cancer cells and is not a spread of the initial breast cancer. For example, a person treated for breast cancer might later develop lung cancer, which is a new primary cancer originating in the lung, not breast cancer that has spread.
The Most Common Secondary Cancer
For breast cancer survivors, the most common secondary cancer is another primary breast cancer, developing in the opposite breast or in the same breast after breast-conserving surgery. This new breast cancer is distinct from the initial diagnosis.
Beyond another breast cancer, survivors face an increased risk for various non-breast secondary cancers. Endometrial cancer shows an increased risk, as does myeloid leukemia. Other cancers with elevated risk include ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. While lung cancer is often associated with certain breast cancer treatments, its overall incidence as a secondary cancer remains low.
Factors Influencing Risk
Several factors influence a breast cancer survivor’s risk of developing a secondary cancer. Treatment-related elements play a significant role. Radiation therapy to the chest increases the risk for lung cancer, particularly in individuals who smoke.
Radiation can also contribute to sarcomas and certain blood cancers like leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Specific chemotherapy agents are linked to an increased risk of leukemia and MDS. Additionally, hormonal therapy like tamoxifen can slightly raise the risk of uterine (endometrial) cancer.
Genetic predispositions also play a role; individuals with inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2 have an elevated risk for breast cancer and other cancers such as ovarian cancer. Lifestyle choices impact secondary cancer risk.
Smoking is a major contributor to lung cancer and other malignancies. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet are general cancer prevention strategies that also reduce secondary cancer risk. Obesity increases the risk for a second breast cancer and other obesity-related cancers in survivors.
Proactive Management and Prevention
Managing the risk of secondary cancers involves ongoing medical surveillance and personal health choices. Regular follow-up care with oncologists is important for monitoring health and detecting new issues promptly. Adherence to recommended screening guidelines for other cancers, such as colorectal or cervical cancer, is also proactive. While specific additional screening for secondary cancers is not typically recommended unless symptoms arise, routine health checks are advised.
Lifestyle modifications are a significant component of risk reduction. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting red and processed meats, helps lower cancer risk. Regular physical activity is beneficial. Avoiding tobacco products and limiting alcohol consumption are important steps, as these habits increase the risk of various cancers.