Breast cancer accounts for more than 25% of cancers in women. Because of improved screening and treatment modalities, mortality has decreased significantly. Currently, over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors live in the US and receive care from a primary care provider. Providers need to be aware of common and serious complications of breast cancer treatment. In this review we discuss complications of local and systemic treatment for breast cancer, including lymphedema, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and vasomotor symptoms. Current strategies for screening, monitoring, and treating these complications also are outlined.
Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.