Dr. Marisa Weiss discusses the critical gaps in patient support after breast cancer treatment ends and the need for better communication between patients and their care teams.
Key facts
- •The World Health Organization reports approximately 8.2 million women globally are living with a breast cancer diagnosis.
- •Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in most countries, with an estimated 694,000 annual deaths.
- •Dr. Marisa Weiss founded the non-profit Breastcancer.org in 2000 to provide expert-reviewed medical and lifestyle information.
- •Patients often seek information about supplements and other therapies online to avoid the perceived stigma of discussing them with their doctors.
- •Dr. Weiss recommends that patients write down questions in advance and bring a trusted advocate to medical appointments to ensure clear communication.
While breast cancer awareness remains high, experts highlight a significant gap in support during the post-treatment period. Dr. Marisa Weiss, founder of Breastcancer.org, notes that patients often face a difficult, lonely transition after initial care concludes. This phase frequently leaves survivors navigating complex questions about side effects, lifestyle changes, and personal health decisions without adequate guidance.
By the numbers
The Challenges of Post-Treatment Care
Dr. Weiss, a breast cancer survivor and physician with over 30 years of experience, describes the period following treatment as a 'quiet phase' where patients must adjust to a new normal. During this time, survivors often struggle with practical and emotional concerns, such as managing lingering side effects, returning to work, and communicating with family members. Because clinicians are often stretched, Dr. Weiss emphasizes that patients must take an active role in their own advocacy and care coordination.
Communication Gaps and External Treatments
Many patients are increasingly turning to external treatments—such as GLP-1s, supplements, and medical cannabis—without informing their doctors. According to Breastcancer.org’s annual Pulse survey, patients often avoid these conversations due to fear of judgment or concerns about what will be recorded in their medical files. Dr. Weiss warns that these choices can lead to adverse interactions with prescribed cancer medications, making open dialogue with healthcare providers essential.
The Role of Information and Advocacy
To bridge the gap between high awareness and low medical knowledge, Dr. Weiss encourages patients to prepare for appointments by documenting their family history and personal priorities. She advises patients to bring a trusted person to appointments to act as a second set of ears and to ask direct questions, even if they feel simple. While she views AI as a promising tool for interpreting pathology reports and assisting radiologists, she cautions that patients must remain vigilant against health misinformation.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
