Treatments & Surgical Procedures Cancer Survivorship

Despite the known survival benefits of early breast cancer treatment, toxicity and side effects lead some women to avoid, curtail, or delay these treatments. Because dose reductions, treatment delays, or stopping treatment early can affect survival, it is critical to understand and predict which patients may be more susceptible to either the acute or late effects of cancer therapy.

The program is focused on understanding and preventing short-term and long-term effects of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. We are actively studying ways to reduce the side effects related to cancer treatments, improve quality of life, and improve adherence to life-saving treatment. Examples of our current research initiatives in this area include the following:

• Understanding and treating bone loss associated with cancer treatment;
• Understanding cognitive side-effects associated with cancer treatment;
• Understanding and treating neurologic side effects associated with cancer treatment;
• Understanding and treating joint pain associated with the use of AIs;
• Interventions to improve exercise in minority breast cancer survivors;
• Understanding dental consequences of cancer therapies;
• Evaluations of complementary and alternative medicines, and studies for post-treatment symptoms.