How can I support a patient with breast cancer in managing treatment-related side effects?

To support a patient with breast cancer in managing treatment-related side effects, ensure they have a named clinical nurse specialist or key worker to provide continuous support throughout diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This facilitates personalised care and continuity. ²

Provide clear, written information about common side effects such as cancer-related fatigue, including its management and available psychosocial support and patient-led groups. ¹

Offer timely access to exercise programmes to help manage cancer-related fatigue. ¹

Inform patients about the risk of lymphoedema before treatment starts, including risk reduction strategies such as maintaining a healthy weight, infection prevention, skincare advice, physical activity, and how to self-monitor for early signs and symptoms. Provide information in a suitable format for patients to take away. ²

For patients with advanced breast cancer experiencing significant fatigue, assess for treatable causes and offer appropriate management. ¹

Discuss menopausal symptoms and avoid recommending unproven treatments such as soy, red clover, black cohosh, vitamin E, or magnetic devices. ²

Offer baseline bone mineral density assessment (DEXA scan) for women starting aromatase inhibitors, with treatment-induced menopause, or starting ovarian ablation/suppression, to manage bone health proactively. ²

Ensure patients have an agreed, written care plan recorded by a named healthcare professional, including details of surveillance, signs and symptoms to watch for, and contact details for specialist and support services. ²

Encourage a healthy lifestyle to reduce recurrence risk, including maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake to below 5 units per week, and regular physical activity. ²