Let's say you've been treated for breast cancer and everything went well. Your doctor says, "You're now in remission." That's great news. But you may be wondering what exactly "remission" means. Does this mean the cancer has completely disappeared? Let's keep it simple and clear.
What is this remission?
Simply put, remission means that the signs and symptoms of cancer have decreased or completely disappeared. Imagine, you had a cancerous tumor in your breast, and after treatment, it shrank or disappeared. That's what we call remission.
Sometimes your doctor may also use the word 'response' for this. Both mean the same thing.
But here's something very important. Remission doesn't mean you're completely cured. Even after treatment, there may still be a very small number of cancer cells left in your body. Over time, those remaining cells can start to grow again.
Your doctor will determine whether you are in remission. They will do this by looking at your test results and how long you have been free of symptoms. Typically, you are considered to be in remission when your symptoms have been gone for a month or more.
What is the difference between complete and partial remission?
There are two main types of remission. It is very important for you to know the difference between the two.
| Remission type | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Complete Remission | This means that medical tests can't find any signs of cancer in your body. Your cancer has completely disappeared, or is so small that it can't be seen on a scan. This is also called a 'Complete Response'. |
| Partial Remission | This means that the cancer has shrunk with treatment, but has not completely disappeared. Typically, when a cancer tumor has shrunk by 50% or more, doctors consider it a partial remission. This is also called a 'partial response'. |
Can cancer recur? (Recurrence)
This is the biggest fear that many people have. Yes, cancer can come back. We call this a recurrence .
But remember, being in remission means that your breast cancer is unlikely to come back. Most people with breast cancer do not have a recurrence.
However, sometimes cancer cells that remain after treatment can start multiplying again months, even years later. There are two ways this recurrence can occur.
1. Local Recurrence
This means that the cancer has returned to your breast, chest wall, or nearby lymph nodes .
- If you have had a lumpectomy, the cancer may come back in the remaining breast tissue.
- If you have had a mastectomy, the cancer may recur in the skin or chest wall tissue.
- If it recurs in nearby lymph nodes , doctors call it 'regional recurrence'.
This local recurrence usually occurs within the first 5 years after diagnosis.
2. Distant Recurrence
This is what we call metastasis . This is when breast cancer spreads beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body. For example, it can spread to other organs such as the bones, liver, lungs, and brain.
But don't worry. Even if the cancer does come back, there are now very effective treatments for it. Your doctor will check for signs of cancer recurrence during your regular follow-up visits. Talk openly with your doctor about your personal risk and what you can do about it.
How to reduce the risk of cancer coming back?
Fortunately, there are things we can do to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back. Research has shown that certain treatments and lifestyle changes can reduce this risk.
Reducing risk through treatment
After your initial treatment, your doctor may prescribe additional treatments such as:
- Bone-building drugs: These can reduce the risk of cancer spreading to the bones.
- Chemotherapy: Research has shown that people who receive chemotherapy have a lower risk of cancer recurrence.
- Hormone therapy: If you have hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, hormone therapy after initial treatment can reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy for large cancerous tumors or advanced types of cancer reduces the risk of recurrence.
- Targeted therapy: If your cancer is a type that overproduces a protein called HER2, drug therapy that targets that protein can reduce your risk.
Reducing risk through lifestyle changes
These things are in your hands. With these simple habits, you can make a big difference.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Try to limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day.
- Regular exercise: Stay active every day. Add something like walking, running, or swimming to your daily routine.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Controlling body weight is very important.
Talk to your doctor about all of this and come up with the best plan for you.
Take-Home Message
- 'Remission' means that the symptoms of cancer have disappeared or are reduced. It does not mean "completely cured."
- Ask your doctor to find out for sure whether you are in complete or partial remission.
- Cancer can recur, but most people who have had breast cancer do not. So don't be unnecessarily afraid.
- Be sure to attend the follow-up appointments your doctor gives you. It's very important.
- You can reduce your risk of cancer coming back by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions, fears, or doubts you have.
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