As the number of long-term survivors of cancer continues to grow, the medical community is becoming more concerned about issues of survivorship and quality of life and a new study will examine these issues. The study will examine the prevalence of reproductive problems, early menopause, osteoporosis, the effect of the chemotherapy on the heart, post-surgery pain, fatigue, and weight gain. For instance, more than half the women treated with chemotherapy following surgery will have chemically induced menopause. But estrogen replacement therapy, which ordinarily provides women with relief from menopausal symptoms, is controversial in women with a history of breast cancer, Paskett said.
Osteoporosis is another potential problem.
Following chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure, some studies have found significant decreases in bone mineral density an indication that osteoporosis is occurring. But sizable surverys of the prevalence and effect of osteoporosis in breast cancer survivors do not exist. Tamoxifen, which is used to decrease the risk of breast cancer recurrence, may also help prevent loss of bone density. So might estrogen replacement therapy. They will explore the economic consequences of breast cancer.