Dr. Helen Mabry assists patients in Toledo as they adjust to daily life following cancer treatments. The guidance aims to address lasting physical and emotional hurdles that persist once medical care finishes.
National estimates show one in eight American women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime. The American Cancer Society reports more than 380,000 women will receive this diagnosis this year alone.
About one in ten diagnosed women is younger than 45, according to the group. The median age at diagnosis is 63.
Dr. Helen Mabry, a breast cancer surgeon with Mercy Health, said care has improved significantly over time. She noted that drug treatments for the whole body have dramatically advanced during her career.
Mabry said survivorship is often an overlooked part of the journey. Once a diagnosis is there, it can be a burden a person carries for life, she said.
One common lingering symptom is fatigue, according to Mabry.
“It’s different from regular tiredness. Just taking a nap does not make it go away.”
Mabry said this fatigue can persist for months or even a year or more. Patients must rebuild their energy slowly. They should not expect former energy levels right away.
Changing eating habits is also an important part of healing, according to Mabry. She advised eating whole foods, high protein meals, and cutting out high sugar and ultra-processed options.
Mental adjustments are also necessary, Mabry said. She described the illness as a life-altering event where the mind and spirit must heal too.
More than four million breast cancer survivors currently live in the United States. October marks national Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the country.
Support groups help people manage long-term recovery issues after medical care ends. These programs often assist families with recovery education, wellness habits, and emotional counseling.
Several organizations offer free programs and services for survivors in the Toledo area:
- The Victory Center
- Nightingale’s Harvest
- American Cancer Society
