Assistant Proessor of Nusing Sharon Mills-Wisneski Examines Life After Breast Cancer

"With advances in treatment, now, more than 2 million women with a past diagnosis of breast cancer are alive in the United States, representing one of the largest groups of cancer survivors. Despite long-standing evidence that after breast cancer treatment, women need continuing support to deal with the emotional, physical, and psychosocial concerns that arise, few programs have been developed to meet these needs. This gap in healthcare services was first highlighted in the Institute of Medicine's report on cancer survivorship, which emphasized that the 'transition from active treatment to social reintegration is crucial and should receive special attention in survivor's care.' Thus, the period after active treatment of breast cancer represents a particularly important 'teaching moment' to help women regain or adopt health promoting behaviors."