Breast cancer remission occurs when there are no findings of breast cancer on imaging studies.

Understanding remission is an important part of navigating breast cancer treatment. When there is no evidence of disease, it means that there are no findings of breast cancer on imaging studies.

This phase not only provides insight into how well your treatment is working but also helps guide the next steps in your journey, from scheduling regular checkups to considering additional treatment options if necessary.

The following factors may influence cancer remission:

  • Stage of cancer: Earlier stages generally improve both remission and survival outcomes.
  • Tumor characteristics: Tumor grade, size, and receptor status affect the likelihood of remission and overall survival.
  • Type and subtype: Cancer type and subtype affect treatment response, influencing remission and survival rates. For example, HR-positive breast cancer often responds well to hormone therapies which can effectively reduce or eliminate the cancer. In contrast, triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks hormone receptors, is more prone to recurrence compared to HR-positive types.
  • Treatment plan: The effectiveness of treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation impacts remission and survival rates.
  • Patient health and response: Overall health and treatment response affect both remission and survival rates. For instance, a 2024 study found that people with obesity and overweight had less success in fully eliminating cancer after chemotherapy compared to those with “normal” weight.
  • Adherence to treatment: Following treatment plans affects remission and improves survival chances.

Statistics on breast cancer remission are limited. But we can estimate remission rates by looking at recurrence rates.

Generally, about 25% to 30% of women with breast cancer experience a recurrence.

In 2022 research of 265 people with breast cancer who had a recurrence, researchers examined which factors might predict whether cancer would come back:

  • Luminal A (LABC): LABC is hormone receptor-positive (estrogen and/or progesterone receptor-positive) and HER2-negative. Patients with this subtype of breast cancer had the longest disease-free survival interval, averaging about 56 months.
  • Luminal B (LBBC): LBBC is hormone receptor-positive (estrogen and/or progesterone receptor-positive) and may be either HER2-positive or -negative. Patients with this subtype experienced recurrence after an average of 48.4 months. While this subtype has a moderately favorable outlook, it’s not as favorable as Luminal A.
  • Triple-negative (TNBC): TNBC lacks estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein, so it doesn’t respond to hormone therapies. This subtype had the shortest average time to recurrence, around 26.9 months. TNBC is more aggressive and can be harder to treat.
  • HER2+: HER2+ has high levels of the HER2 protein, which promotes cancer cell growth. Patients with this subtype experienced recurrence at an average of 34.3 months. HER2+ cancers can be aggressive but may respond to targeted therapies.

For each type, outcomes are dependent on the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Post-treatment care plans for breast cancer survivors are vital for several reasons:

  • Recurrence monitoring: Regular follow-ups, including exams and tests, are necessary for early detection of any recurrence.
  • Managing side effects: Survivors may face long-term side effects from treatment, such as fatigue or pain. Care plans help manage these through medical interventions and support.
  • Psychosocial support: Survivors may experience emotional challenges like anxiety or depression. Ongoing mental health support and counseling are important.

Coping with the fear of recurrence during remission involves addressing both emotional and practical aspects of your well-being.

Here are some strategies and resources that can help:

  • Professional support: Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who specializes in cancer survivorship to help manage anxiety and fears.
  • Stay connected: Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or support groups. Talking about your fears can help you process your emotions.
  • Mindfulness and relaxation: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga may help manage anxiety and improve emotional resilience.
  • Routine checkups: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team can provide reassurance and allow for early detection if any issues arise.
  • Find support online: Explore YouTube channels where cancer survivors share their experiences, including recurrence, to gain insights and support from others who have faced similar challenges.

Monitoring your lifestyle after remission, including exercising and eating healthy, is important to potentially reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and manage the long-term effects of treatment.

A healthy lifestyle supports your overall well-being, improves your general health, and helps manage any stress and anxiety.

Consider your:

  • Diet: Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats supports overall health, boosts immunity, and may reduce the risk of recurrence. Research suggests that an anti-inflammatory diet may improve survival rates for breast cancer survivors.
  • Exercise: Research from 2020 suggests that maintaining regular physical activity before and after a breast cancer diagnosis is associated with significantly lower risks of cancer recurrence and mortality.
  • Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking enhances recovery, reduces the risk of recurrence, and improves overall health. One study found that breast cancer patients who didn’t smoke had about 3.35 times higher survival rates than those who did.

Breast cancer remission is a major achievement, reflecting the success of your treatment.

Staying proactive with follow-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support can help sustain your progress and overall well-being.