Breast Cancer & Blood Clots: What You Need to Know

If you’re a breast cancer patient, you’re likely focused on treatment and recovery. But there’s another critical health concern you need to be aware of: blood clots. For many, like breast cancer survivor Stephanie Walker, the first sign of a serious issue can be unexpected and frightening. Stephanie’s experience highlights why it’s vital for patients to understand the risks and symptoms of blood clots.

Stephanie’s Story: A Wake-Up Call

Three years into her metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, Stephanie Walker experienced sudden shortness of breath and chest pain while shopping. Initially dismissing it as weight gain, her symptoms quickly worsened, leading her to believe she was having a heart attack. At the hospital, after ruling out a heart attack, a nurse’s cautious approach revealed the real issue: a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Stephanie was blindsided. She hadn’t seen any mention of blood clots, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), or PE in her medical records, and no one had warned her. Her doctor later confirmed that these conditions are common in cancer patients, a fact that underscored the need for greater patient awareness.

Understanding Blood Clots: VTE, DVT, and PE Explained

Let’s break down the terms: Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is the general term for any blood clot forming in a vein. This includes:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A clot forming in a deep vein, often in the leg, thigh, or pelvis, but can also occur in the arm. A piece of this clot can break off.
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE): When a piece of a DVT breaks loose and travels to the lungs, lodging in an artery and blocking blood flow from the heart.

When these occur due to cancer or its treatment (like chemotherapy, surgery, or central lines), they’re called ‘Cancer-Associated’ VTE. The reality is, having cancer and undergoing treatment significantly increases your risk.

Higher Risks for Black Women

It’s important to note that Black women face a higher risk of cancer-associated VTE compared to other racial groups. While these risks are significant, they shouldn’t deter you from pursuing necessary cancer treatment, which remains a greater threat to your health.

Don’t Ignore the Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs

Stephanie’s regret was not recognizing the leg pain she experienced a week before her PE. DVT symptoms, often on one side of the body, can include:

• Persistent pain, like a charley horse or cramp
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Skin that feels warm to the touch
• Redness or discoloration

PE symptoms can develop from DVT or occur independently. Watch out for:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain or tightness (can feel like indigestion)
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Coughing (sometimes with blood)
• Wheezing
• Feeling unusually tired or lethargic

What You Can Do: Empowering Yourself

Knowledge is power. Here’s how you can take proactive steps:

1. Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don’t dismiss it. Seek medical attention promptly. Early recognition and treatment are key.
2. Talk to your doctor: Discuss your personal risk factors for blood clots. These can include family history, personal medical history (heart disease, diabetes, etc.), smoking, obesity, age, pregnancy, race, and certain cancer treatments.
3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your blood flowing smoothly and reduces the risk of thickening.
4. Stay active: Move regularly to keep your blood circulating. Even simple actions like walking, stretching, or wiggling your toes help.
5. Plan for travel: For long trips (over four hours), wear compression socks, stay hydrated, and move around frequently.

Stephanie now advocates for other patients, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body and having open conversations with your healthcare team. By staying informed and proactive, you can better manage the risks associated with cancer treatment.