Breast cancer survivors optimistic, yet lack critical information on reducing ...(tor about recurrence. The survey suggest...),Health

For most women, a diagnosis of breast cancer has a significant impact on their lifestyle and the way they monitor their health. We want to support all women who have had breast cancer in getting the best information available to help them remain disease-free for as long as possible, said Jean A. Sachs, MSS, MLSP, executive director of Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a nonprofit organization based outside of Philadelphia. We strongly encourage women who have had breast cancer and their loved ones to speak with their health care professionals to obtain the facts.

According to the survey, more breast cancer survivors (72 percent) said they relied heavily on their doctors or health professionals in their path to recovery than said they relied on either friends (67 percent) or spouse (52 percent). The majority of respondents, 89 percent, said that they are somewhat involved/not involved in a breast cancer survivor community, and thus might lack the support and access to timely information that they need.

The majority (87 percent) of breast cancer survivors surveyed said having the disease made them a stronger person, and 63 percent of all respondents are hopeful and optimistic about the future.

'/>"/>