Secondary cancer

Madge 3 months ago

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I have just finished my radiotherpy for er breast cancer and i am on astrozol for the next 5 years

I had a lumpectomy carried out in august.

I have recenlt had a dexta scan which show i have osteporosis which is his for somebody my age 56 my concerns are why is it poor ? This is before i have even started my blockers. When expressed my concerns was told only come back if any symtons well i didnt have any symptons for breast cancer ? And only hv a mamogram once a year. Why is my bone density poor at 56 what tests can i have im worried about secondary cancer because there is no further tests ?

Jo - Macmillan 3 months ago

Hi Madge,

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Jo and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

It is good to hear that you have now finished your hospital treatment for breast cancer and I hope that you are making a good recovery. However, it sounds as though you have been left with unanswered questions so I am pleased that you’ve reached out to us for support.

A DEXA scan can show if the bone density is below normal or increases your risk of fractures due to osteoporosis. There are a number of possible factors that can increase the risk of osteoporosis, however it would not be possible to say what these may be for you.

As you are aware, Anastrozole can impact your bone health. I wonder whether you have been started on any drug treatment to protect your bones. If not, then it would be worth speaking to your breast cancer team about this. There are also changes you can make yourself to improve or maintain your bone health.

The follow-up you receive after your hospital-based treatment for breast cancer has ended will depend on your individual situation. However, this should be in accordance with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. If you have any concerns or symptoms that need to be checked out then do not hesitate to contact your breast cancer team or GP.

It can be difficult adjusting to life after finishing hospital treatment for cancer, and it’s important that you don’t feel alone in dealing with this. There is support available through our Life After Cancer forum, Breast Cancer Now’s Moving Forward course and the Penny Brohn wellbeing charity: adjusting to life after cancer resources.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.

I hope this information is helpful.

Best wishes,

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref: JD/KG

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Secondary cancer