Information
To learn more about cancer survivorship research at Sylvester, please call 305-243-3329 or
email Survivorship Research.
Your Life Beyond Breast Cancer
Completing breast cancer treatment is an emotional milestone. You may feel excited about the future but also anxious about what comes next. As you enter this new phase of your recovery journey, our team is here for you.
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is home to a Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic that focuses on your needs from diagnosis throughout the continuum of your life. We work with you to develop an integrative breast cancer wellness plan that can help you thrive.
About Our Survivorship Program Approach
Life after breast cancer treatment can present different challenges. For example, you may be dealing with breast cancer treatment side effects like fatigue, pain, or memory difficulties (sometimes called “chemo brain”). Or you may be worried about your relationships, how you look, or your cancer coming back.
Our Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic can help you with these and other concerns. You can make your first survivorship appointment after completing your first course of treatment, with a referral from your oncology healthcare provider. Even if you’re still taking medications, such as hormonal therapies, you’re welcome in our program. We see patients with any stage cancer.
Having a plan and a team behind you can help support you physically and emotionally. With us, you can find compassionate, multidisciplinary breast cancer survivor care throughout Sylvester locations.
Services Tailored to Your Needs
Your first visit to our Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic focuses on one primary objective: creating an individualized plan to help improve your quality of life. During this visit, you’ll meet with an advanced practice provider in a one-on-one setting.
The initial appointment also typically includes:
- A review of your health history, including your cancer diagnosis and treatment
- A discussion of any side effects you’re experiencing and how to manage them
- An evaluation of your current health status and recommended vaccinations and cancer screenings
- A discussion of available services and resources to help you achieve your health goals
- The creation of a personalized survivorship care plan for you and your doctors
You can return for a follow-up appointment with the team or individual providers. Depending on your care plan, you may receive the following survivorship services.
Breast Cancer-Specific Nutritional Counseling
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent cancer from coming back, research shows that eating well may help lower the risk of breast cancer returning. If you have questions or concerns about your diet, ask about our nutritional counseling services.
Tailored Exercise Programs for Breast Cancer Recovery
Similar to a healthy diet, exercise is not guaranteed to prevent cancer from returning. However, regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back. If you need help with a fitness routine, our exercise oncology clinic can guide you on exercise after breast cancer surgery. We also offer group exercise classes, physical therapy, and yoga therapy to support your physical and mental well-being.
Lymphedema Prevention and Management
The removal of lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery can potentially cause a fluid (called lymph) to build up in your limbs. This can lead to a condition called lymphedema, which can affect your mobility, strength, and quality of life. We have the only comprehensive lymphedema program in South Florida, offering innovative techniques to prevent and treat this condition.
Body Image and Sexual Health Counseling
As a breast cancer survivor, you may experience changes in your body or have feelings about your self-image that can impact your relationships with others. Mental health support provided as part of our comprehensive cancer survivorship services can help you address these and other concerns. Our psychology and psychiatry team has expertise in navigating these issues so you can feel more comfortable.
Menopausal Symptom Management
Some breast cancer treatments and medications can lower estrogen levels and induce menopausal symptoms in cancer survivors, such as hot flashes. Sylvester's breast cancer survivorship program provides dedicated care to address these concerns through its Menopause Urogenital Sexual Health and Intimacy Clinic (MUSIC). This is one of only a few such programs at cancer centers in the U.S., supporting research and treatment to help female cancer patients and survivors maintain sexual health.
Bone Health Management (Addressing Osteoporosis Risk)
Reduced estrogen levels associated with breast cancer treatment can potentially affect bone health for breast cancer survivors, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Our expert providers can help diagnose this condition and recommend lifestyle changes and treatment to help keep your bones stronger.
Psychosocial Support and Counseling
Getting back to your everyday life or returning to work after breast cancer treatment can sometimes be a struggle. If you need help, our Cancer Supportive Care and Survivorship team can help connect you with resources or put you in touch with a breast cancer support group in your area.
Complementary Therapies
As part of your survivorship plan, you may benefit from complementary therapies to help improve your quality of life. For example, you might consider acupuncture to help with issues like pain, anxiety, or sleeping problems. You may also try massage therapy for relaxation or lymphatic support. You can find these and other therapies through our breast cancer treatment wellness program.
Breast Prosthesis and Reconstruction Support
Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed during breast cancer surgery. However, you may also consider having reconstruction after cancer treatment. Sylvester surgeons offer a full range of breast reconstruction options using your own tissues, as well as implants. We are South Florida’s leader in post-surgical breast reconstruction, committed to restoring your comfort and confidence.
Your Team of Dedicated Experts
At Sylvester’s Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic, you can count on a whole team of experts to partner with you in your survivorship care. Having this collaborative approach can help you achieve the goals of your individualized care plan and improve your quality of life.
Members of your survivorship team may include:
- Breast oncologists who can follow up with you regularly to monitor your breasts and help manage any symptoms or concerns that arise.
- Advance practice providers
- Breast cancer nurse navigators to advocate on your behalf and help you access health resources, schedule appointments, and more.
- Dieticians with expertise in promoting nutrition for breast cancer survivors and crafting customized eating plans.
- Certified lymphedema therapists who specialize in education and treatments to reduce lymphedema swelling.
- Exercise physiologists who can help you improve your strength and energy levels and support other health goals with personalized exercise support.
- Oncology social workers and psychologists who are dedicated to helping you address emotional challenges.
- Breast reconstruction surgeons who provide compassionate, high-quality care and surgical options.
Access to Advanced Care and Innovation
After breast cancer treatment, having a proven medical team on your side is important. As South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, Sylvester meets the rigorous standards of the NCI. We also provide cutting-edge treatments focused on beating cancer and improving your quality of life.
Through all aspects of your care and treatment, we want to make it easier for you to access the services you need. Options like telemedicine (virtual visits) and online Zoom exercise classes can help you get support from the comfort of your home.
Your Wellness Journey: What to Expect
Your wellness journey with our survivorship program starts by making your first appointment after completing your first course of therapy. You’ll need a referral from your oncology provider to make an appointment.
To learn more or request an appointment, call 305-243-4922 or email Survivorship Care.
Survivorship Support for the Long Haul
Just as you don’t fight breast cancer alone, you don’t need to face survivorship alone either. It’s natural to experience challenges even after your treatment ends. Your emotional and physical needs may change over time, but the support you can find through our survivorship program remains steadfast. Having a long-term plan can help you build connections in the community, enhance your well-being, and improve your quality of life.
Stories of Hope and Renewal
Meet Tresha Barrett – living life to the fullest after beating a Stage 3 invasive breast cancer diagnosis.
“It means everything to be here … Even though I was diagnosed with cancer and I had cancer, cancer wasn’t going to have me.”
Why Choose Sylvester
Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has recognized Sylvester for its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies. This includes work to advance the field of lymphedema treatment and prevention – with a focus on improving the quality of life for many breast cancer survivors.
Comprehensive care. Our multidisciplinary team provides expert, compassionate care through every step of your cancer journey – from diagnosis to treatment to survivorship. We combine evidence-based practices, cutting-edge treatments, and innovative technologies with personalized, patient-focused care to help you achieve your individual health goals.
Research prowess. As an oncology care leader in the region, we continue to pursue cancer survivorship research and explore new ways to enhance cancer survivors’ health, wellness, and lifestyle beyond the initial diagnosis and active treatment period. By improving our understanding of cancer and its impacts, we’re working to enhance the quality of life for people in South Florida and beyond.
