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On World Cancer Day 2025, experts explain why cancer returns after successful treatment. Liver and stomach cancers are at higher risk of recurring, but lifestyle changes and checkups can help prevent recurrence
The likelihood of a patient facing cancer again largely depends on the previous type of cancer, its stage, and the area of the body it affected. (News18 Hindi)
World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4. Globally, cancer treatment has advanced leaps and bounds in the last few decades. Many individuals become completely healthy after overcoming cancer. However, in several cases, the disease returns many years after the treatment has ended. This leads to the question – why does cancer return even after successful treatment? Is it possible to be completely free of this fatal illness once treatment is done? What factors contribute to the risk of a cancer recurrence?
Dr Pooja Babbar, Consultant in Medical Oncology at Dr CK Birla Hospital, explains that despite being cured of cancer, it can sometimes re-emerge, and there are several underlying causes for this. “In such a situation, first of all, we try to find out what type of cancer the patient had in the past. We also examine at what stage the patient’s cancer was treated and ultimately cured. It has been observed that individuals who recover from cancer at stages 3 and 4 are at a higher risk of getting cancer again,” she says.
Dr Babbar says that identifying the previous type of cancer and its location is crucial in reaching a conclusion. Typically, cancers such as liver and stomach have a higher recurrence rate, while breast cancer has the lowest.
The likelihood of a patient facing cancer again largely depends on the previous type of cancer, its stage, and the area of the body it affected. Often, some cells may become resilient during cancer treatment, leading to their survival. These surviving cells can persist in the body for an extended period, potentially leading to a recurrence of cancer later.
Lifestyle Changes Post-Cancer Treatment
If one aims to prevent cancer from returning, the most significant factor is modifying lifestyle. Such changes can substantially reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Physical Activity: Medical research indicates that women who have triumphed over breast cancer should practise yoga consistently. Engaging in regular exercise after cancer treatment greatly decreases the chances of it returning.
- Diet: Additionally, paying attention to dietary habits is essential. Consuming green vegetables, fruits, and grains helps strengthen the body, which in turn lowers the chance of a recurrence. It is advisable to avoid alcohol and cigarettes, as indulging in these harmful habits can facilitate another cancer occurrence.
- Stress and sleep: Minimising stress levels is also vital. Ensuring adequate sleep is important too, as medical studies have shown that stress and insufficient sleep heighten the risk of cancer returning.
- Regular medical check-ups: One critical point to remember is that if a cancer patient experiences a recurrence, it may become more challenging to treat. When cancer returns, it is often more aggressive than before.
During treatment, efforts are made to determine how many years post-recovery the cancer has returned. If cancer recurs many years after recovery, it may be treatable with greater ease. Conversely, if it returns within six months post-treatment, managing it could be more complicated.
Therefore, the patient needs to undergo regular medical check-ups. Maintaining communication with one’s doctor is crucial, and routine blood tests are important. If any new or unusual symptoms arise, it is imperative to consult a doctor immediately.
