For those who are sober, hearing the words, “You have breast cancer,” changes everything in a moment and can pose a unique set of circumstances. It’s important for sober women—those in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse—to come up with a plan that will honor their sobriety while allowing them to undertake the treatment they need.
Below are some tips that can help you talk about and maintain your sobriety during breast cancer treatment.
In 2022 in the United States:
Despite its prevalence, 75% of those who report an alcohol use disorder eventually recover and live a sober lifestyle. If you are a woman in recovery who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you are not alone. There are practical steps you can take to protect your health and your sobriety during this difficult time.
If you are sober or in recovery, a breast cancer diagnosis may trigger concerns about your sobriety or may bring up feelings of fear and shame for several reasons.
Ongoing breast cancer treatments can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Women who have worked hard to maintain their sobriety may fear the stress associated with breast cancer treatment could jeopardize their recovery.
Additionally, there may be a fear of being judged by others, such as doctors and care teams, for past struggles with addiction. This fear of judgment can create emotional barriers to seeking and accepting necessary medical care and support.
While these concerns are valid, it is essential to remember that you have worked hard to maintain your sobriety. If you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of shame, anxiety, or fear that your diagnosis may derail your sobriety, consider sharing these feelings and disclosing past substance use with your doctor or care team.
Remember, your care team wants to provide you with the quality, personalized care you deserve. Equipping your team with important information about your past will help them set you up for success during treatment and into survivorship.
Conversations with your doctor and care team can follow these three steps:
You do not have to wait for your doctor or care team to start the conversation. Remember that you have a say in your care now.
A conversation with your care team allows them to listen and learn about your past, your concerns, and what is important to you throughout treatment. You may be concerned about the type of medication you may be prescribed. Or you may be worried about managing your stress while undergoing treatment. No matter your concern, it is important to talk to your team about it.
Writing down your questions and concerns will allow you to approach your doctor with concise, specific concerns. Take this list of concerns to your appointment to stay organized and prepared during this important conversation. Be sure to write down or record your doctor’s responses to your questions so you can refer to them later.
Oncologists often have a tight schedule. Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to call your doctor’s office to request that your doctor and care team schedule sufficient time for your conversation.
While this conversation may be difficult or stressful, remember that your concerns are important and valid to your team. To prepare for this important conversation, here are some conversation starter phrases that may be helpful to you.
“I am currently sober and would like to share some concerns/thoughts/feelings I have regarding my diagnosis.”
“I want to have a conversation with you about my substance use history.”
“I am concerned about maintaining my sobriety throughout my breast cancer treatment.”
“I was addicted to … and I am concerned about my medication throughout my breast cancer treatment. I want to avoid …”
“Due to my past substance use, I would like to explore different medications.”
“Are there other medications you could recommend I take? I do not feel comfortable taking … due to its ingredients.”
Regular check-ins with your care team are essential as you progress through treatment.
If you feel overwhelmed with your treatment and fear a relapse due to stress, disclose this with your care team. They may need to make adjustments to your medication, potentially change it, or get you in contact with a hospital social worker or counselor.
Ongoing, open, and honest conversations with your doctor and care team are essential for maintaining your health, treatment plan, and sobriety.
What should you do if your doctor or care team disagrees with your decision to pursue different treatments or medications? Or what if your doctor or care team suggests a medication or treatment plan that you are hesitant to consider? In these scenarios, it is crucial to prioritize your well-being and recovery.
It is natural to feel concerned about the possibility of taking habit-forming medication while undergoing breast cancer treatment. During your consultation visits, communicate clearly with your doctor about your preference to avoid habit-forming medications. Your health and sobriety are priorities that deserve thoughtful consideration and discussion with your medical team.
It may be challenging to be vulnerable about your concerns with your doctor and care team. However, your health concerns are individual and personal, and the care you receive should reflect that. Ask your team to elaborate. Ask them to review your file. Kindly tell them if you do not feel comfortable with an option and that you would like them to explore other avenues of medication or treatment.
Bringing a trusted family member or friend for moral support to your next visit may give you the comfort and confidence to address your concerns with your care team. If you are concerned about the appointment, you can ask your friend or family member to advocate for you.
There may be times when you disagree with your care team’s treatment suggestions, and that’s okay. Seeking a second opinion will allow you to explore other treatment options or give you the peace of mind to continue current treatments, if necessary. Typically, a second doctor will review your medical history to develop an interpretation of your health. They will then provide you with their view on your diagnosis or treatment plan and listen to your concerns about your original plan.
Before you consult with a second doctor, it is important to determine what you want to learn and what you hope to gain. Are you looking for reassurance that your current medication and treatment plan is right for you? Are you concerned about your current medication or treatment plan?
“What are my choices for treatment?”
“What are the pros and cons of this plan?”
“What treatment plan would you suggest that respects my concerns about my sobriety?”
“Do you agree with my doctor and care team’s treatment plan?”
Disclosing your history with your healthcare team may be daunting, but you are not alone. Your doctor, care team, friends, and family want to give you the care and support you deserve throughout your treatment.
NBCF also has resources that you may find helpful, including:
A patient navigator is a trained professional who helps guide patients through the complex cancer care system. This person can be your advocate as you navigate a breast cancer diagnosis and sobriety. Find a patient navigator in your area.
Having the support of others is an important part of successfully navigating breast cancer. Studies indicate that participating in support groups, whether they are in person or online, where individuals both offer and receive help, is an effective approach to reducing the stress and anxiety that often accompanies a breast cancer diagnosis. NBCF offers monthly virtual support groups for patients and survivors.
Read through hundreds of messages of hope from patients, survivors, and supporters to encourage you on your journey. And leave some encouragement of your own. View the Wall of Support.
National Breast Cancer Foundation is here for you and your loved ones. Whether you need support, education, or help during treatment, our team is dedicated to getting you the help you deserve.
Collaborating writer: Emma Hernandez, BS, Certificate in Informed-Trauma Care, NBCF Intern
Addiction Help
Institute for Health Center Improvement
MD Anderson Cancer Center
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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