Build strength through wellness after breast cancer treatment

Doctors say the transition from patient to survivor is one of the most critical phases in a woman’s health journey and lifestyle choices play a powerful role in preventing recurrence and improving quality of life.

Start small, start early

“Treatment plays a significant role in long-term health after breast cancer; however, prevention is even more important and could avoid the need for treatment in the first place,” says Dr Ahmad Matalkah, Staff Physician, Breast Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Even as patients regain strength, fatigue and hormonal changes can persist long after treatment.

“Fatigue, weight changes, and hormonal shifts are common after treatment; that’s why personalised plans matter,” says Dr Matalkah. “We focus on gradual, low-impact exercises like walking or yoga, paired with anti-inflammatory foods that support hormone balance and energy. It’s not a one-size-fits-all model; we tailor recovery to each patient’s needs. Plans are adjusted based on how a patient feels physically and emotionally.”

According to Dr Jacob, many survivors can safely ease into structured programmes within a few weeks, provided they have medical supervision. “Each person’s recovery is different, depending on the type of treatment they had,” he says. “Ideally, programmes should be supervised by a team familiar with cancer recovery, including an oncologist, physiotherapist, and certified fitness or nutrition expert.”

Dealing with post-treatment fatigue

Dr Soha Abdelbaky, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Medcare Hospital Sharjah, says post-treatment fatigue and hormonal changes are common, especially due to chemotherapy-induced ovarian suppression, endocrine therapy or radiation effect.

Dr Keerthi Banavara Ravi, Consultant Surgical Oncology at Zulekha Hospital Dubai & Sharjah, emphasises that light physical activity, such as gentle walking or yoga, can begin even during treatment if tolerated.

“Women who maintain even low-level activity during treatment experience less fatigue, better mood and sleep, faster recovery, and lower long-term recurrence risk,” he says.

Dr Najeeb Behzad Mohammed, Specialist Medical Oncology, Zulekha Hospital Sharjah, says that fatigue and hormonal fluctuations are among the most common long-term challenges survivors face. “These effects often result from anaemia, altered metabolism, medication side effects, stress, or disrupted sleep.”

“We adopt a personalised survivorship approach where fitness and nutrition are tailored to each patient’s treatment history and health status,” he says. “Non-pharmacologic strategies such as yoga, mindfulness, and paced breathing are proven to reduce hot flashes and improve sleep. When needed, we consider non-hormonal medications to control severe menopausal symptoms.”

Why follow-up care matters after breast cancer

inishing breast cancer treatment brings relief, but it also marks the start of a new phase – remission. Doctors highlight that consistent follow-up and medical monitoring are critical to detect any signs of recurrence early and ensure survivors remain healthy in the years ahead.

“Follow-up care typically includes clinical exams every few months in the first years, then less frequently over time,” says Dr Ahmad Matalkah, Staff Physician, Breast Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

“Imaging is done based on risk, but beyond that, we encourage ongoing check-ins around nutrition, emotional health, and stress. Recovery isn’t just a phase you move through; it’s a long-term journey, and staying connected to your care team helps make that journey a healthy one.”

Dr Roshan Koshy Jacob, Consultant Medical Oncology at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, adds that survivorship isn’t just about being cancer-free; it’s about living well beyond cancer. He recommends a structured follow-up plan with physical check-ups every 3–6 months for the first few years, along with annual imaging and periodic blood tests. “Think of it as a wellness check-in, not just a cancer check-up,” he says.

Dr Soha Abdelbaky, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Medcare Hospital Sharjah, explains that survivorship care involves comprehensive, multidisciplinary monitoring beyond initial treatment. This includes “routine clinical exams, mammograms, and imaging scheduled according to international guidelines,” as well as blood work to monitor hormone and organ health.

Manage mental health

Dr Abdelbaky stresses that emotional well-being is just as crucial as regular medical follow-ups. “Anxiety, depression and fear of recurrence are common. Survivorship care includes screening for psychological distress and referral to counselling, support groups, or cognitive-behavioral therapy.”

Dr Najeeb Behzad Mohammed, Specialist Medical Oncology at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah, agrees. “Survivorship is the next phase of treatment.” His team follows a structured model that includes clinical reviews every 3–6 months, annual imaging, and screening for long-term effects. “This ensures continuity of care and empowers each woman to thrive beyond cancer — not merely survive it.”