The reappearance of cancerous cells following a period of remission is known as cancer relapse. The metastatic latency (dormant cancer cells) is a major mechanism, and it can manifest from months to decades after therapy.

According to Dr. Poonam Sharma, Associate Professor and Officiating Head of the Department of Pathology at AIIMS Jammu, relapse rates vary by cancer type, as she told a Lifestyle Magazine in an interview.

• Even with the best care, 10% of breast cancer patients experience a local recurrence.
• In many patients, non-metastatic Ewing sarcoma recurs two to ten years after treatment.
• Breast cancer recurrence within the first eight months is associated with a bad outlook.

The likelihood of cancer recurrence can be affected by a person's genes in what way?

“Our genes can have a major impact on the likelihood of a cancer returning,” Dr. Poonam Sharma replied. Some individuals are born with inherited genetic changes that increase the risk of recurrence. As an example, relapsed breast cancers frequently have specific mutations, like those affecting the TP53 or PIK3CA genes. Cancer cells can also undergo novel genetic alterations over time that make them more aggressive or less susceptible to therapy.

She disclosed, "Researchers have also discovered that some inherited genetic variations can account for why some groups of people have a greater risk of relapse. For instance, there are genetic factors that contribute to the observed disparities in relapse rates between racial groups in childhood leukemia.

Cancer recurrence and genetics

In certain tumors, genetics are more important than in others. Researchers have discovered that some gene mutations are prevalent in instances of breast cancer recurrence, as Dr. Poonam Sharma noted. If specific genes are active, Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, may be more prone to recurrence. Some childhood leukemias, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as well as bladder cancer, are affected by particular genetic variables.

"Knowing your genetic makeup can help doctors customize your care in these tumors," she continued. For instance, your doctor may advise more frequent checkups or alternative therapy if you have a gene that raises your risk of relapse in order to prevent the cancer from coming back.

Relapse of cancer and lifestyle

Modifiable factors have a big impact on results, according to Dr. Poonam Sharma:

Diet: Compared to Mediterranean diets, Western dietary patterns raise the chance of relapse

• Weight control: Survivors of obesity have a 30–40% higher death rate.
• Physical activity: Lowers cancer survivors' overall death rate by 43%.
• Avoidance of drugs: quitting smoking reduces the chance of recurrence by 22%.

Dr. Poonam Sharma emphasized that "although genetics decide baseline risk, lifestyle changes can lessen around 30% of relapse risk through metabolic regulation and immune modulation. Lifestyle interaction impacts are especially pronounced in breast and colon malignancies."

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