In the fourth installment of CURE’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month webinar series on managing side effects of breast cancer treatment, we partnered with UCLA Health and Northside Hospital Cancer Institute to learn more about side effects that can often occur during breast cancer treatment.

Specifically, we spoke with Patricia Jakel of the Solid Tumor Program at UCLA Health in California and Emily M. Beard, program coordinator for breast cancer and GYN oncology at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute in Atlanta, to discuss the long and short of things. Period side effects of breast cancer treatment and strategies to potentially minimize them.

Summary:

0:52 — Common Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment

• Open and honest communication between patients and healthcare providers is crucial to managing side effects and improving quality of life. Patients should be able to feel comfortable discussing any concerns, no matter how minor they may seem.
• Healthcare providers should educate patients about potential long-term side effects of treatment, such as joint pain and fatigue. Strategies to manage these side effects, including lifestyle changes and medication, should be discussed.
• A holistic approach to patient care should consider not only physical health but also emotional and psychological well-being. This includes addressing concerns about quality of life, sexual health and body image.

8:23 — Side Effect Profile by Treatment Type

• Different types of treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy, can have a variety of side effects, from acute symptoms such as nausea and hair loss to long-term effects such as fatigue and cardiovascular problems.
• Patients should feel comfortable discussing any concerns or side effects with their healthcare team. Quick reporting of symptoms can help identify and manage potential complications.
• Regular follow-up care is important to watch for late-onset side effects and address health problems as they arise. This may include consultations with multiple specialists, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists.

11:54 — Strategies to Minimize Side Effects and Improve Quality of Life

• Healthcare providers should prioritize understanding each patient’s unique needs and goals. This includes taking into account factors such as age, lifestyle and personal priorities.
• Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is crucial for managing side effects and optimizing treatment plans. Patients should feel empowered to ask questions and share their concerns.
• Regular evaluations, including geriatric evaluations for older patients, can help identify potential complications and adjust treatment plans as needed.

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