When Breast Cancer Comes Back - It Doesn't Mean The End!

Breast cancer relapse is not the end!

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Updated Apr 21, 2025 | 03:12 PM IST

SummaryRegular check-ups, screenings and addressing lingering side effects, whether it’s fatigue, menopause symptoms, bone loss, or lymphedema are all important to identify a relapse on time so treatment can be effective.

A breast cancer diagnosis is life-altering. The ignored lump, the dismissed nipple changes, it’s only when the final diagnosis arrives that the gravity of it all sinks in. Well, good news is that with timely intervention, breast cancer can be treated and controlled. You fight through treatment, begin to heal, grow your hair back, regain your strength—and slowly, life starts to feel normal again. Now imagine being told it’s back. A relapse. It is of course a tough blow to take.

Recently, author and filmmaker Tahira Kashyap spoke up about her breast cancer relapse with strength and honesty, reminding us that she’s not alone in this fight. Many women face relapses, and it requires a lot of courage.

Dr. Sachin Trivedi, Director of Medical Oncology, HCG Hospitals Cancer Centre, Mumbai, explains, “Breast cancer can relapse locally, which means in the same breast or chest area, regionally (nearby lymph nodes), or distantly, which we call metastatic relapse where it spreads to other organs like the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.”

Dr. Hemkant Verma, Surgical Oncologist at Sharda Care Healthcity, adds that a relapse occurs when dormant cancer cells become active again. “It can be emotionally devastating, but with medical advancements, many relapsed cancers can still be managed effectively. Early detection and prompt action are our best tools.”

Local or regional relapses, especially those that occur after a few years, are most often treatable. Doctors say that the 5-year survival rate can still be as high as 60–80%, depending on individual cases. However, metastatic relapse (Stage IV) isn’t considered curable, but it is manageable. Many patients go on to live active lives for several years. What matters most is early detection, how aggressive the cancer is, where it has spread, and how well the body responds to treatment.

Minimising the risk of relapse

While treatment is key, there are lifestyle choices that can help reduce the risk of a recurrence like avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet and staying physically active.

Doctor warns that hormone replacement therapy should only be taken if it is medically advised.

"Staying in close contact with your oncology team is crucial. Regular follow-ups, checkups, and screenings play a vital role in catching any signs of recurrence early. Also, it’s important to address lingering side effects, whether it’s fatigue, menopause symptoms, bone loss, or lymphedema. Even something as simple as daily walks or gentle yoga can improve physical and mental health outcomes," adds Dr Sachin. Physical healing is only one part of the journey. Emotional and mental wellbeing matter just as much. Whether it’s therapy, support groups, mindfulness, journaling, or creative expression, it’s important to have an outlet and a support system.

Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar, Director, Sarvodaya Cancer Institute, adds that cancer relapse isn't a failure, it’s simply a new chapter. “Cancer is complex and can evolve over time, developing resistance to earlier treatments. Some cells may lie dormant and later reactivate. But today, we have many treatment options: chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and even clinical trials.”

He reminds patients that science is advancing rapidly. “A relapse doesn’t mean the end. It’s just the beginning of a new strategy. With better tools, better treatments, and stronger support systems, this is a fight we can face with renewed hope. Think of it as a spiral, you have already climbed so far, and now you are rising to the next level.”

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