How might cancer relate to your RA flare?
It's understandable to wonder if your breast cancer diagnosis is connected to your prolonged flare. While cancer itself can place stress on your body and potentially trigger inflammation, there isn't clear evidence that breast cancer directly causes RA flares.
However, flares can Show Full Answer
How might cancer relate to your RA flare?
It's understandable to wonder if your breast cancer diagnosis is connected to your prolonged flare. While cancer itself can place stress on your body and potentially trigger inflammation, there isn't clear evidence that breast cancer directly causes RA flares.
However, flares can be triggered by various stressors on the body, including illness and emotional stress. The physical stress of developing cancer, along with the emotional impact of diagnosis, could potentially contribute to increased RA activity.
RA and cancer risk
People with RA do have a modestly higher risk of certain cancers, particularly lymphoma and lung cancer. The altered immune system function in RA may play a role, and some RA medications can also affect cancer risk, though this is relatively rare.
Important considerations for treatment
Your situation requires careful coordination between your rheumatologist and oncologist because:
- Some RA medications work by suppressing the immune system, which could affect cancer treatment
- Your doctors may need to adjust your RA medications during cancer treatment
- Managing both conditions simultaneously requires specialized care
It's crucial to have open communication with both specialists about your treatment plan. They can work together to manage your RA while ensuring your cancer treatment is effective.
March 6
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