Steroids for Secondary Breast Cancer

You may have steroids as part of your treatment or to control symptoms and help you to feel better. 

Steroids may be given:

• with certain chemotherapy drugs to prevent an allergic reaction or to reduce sickness 
• to reduce swelling and control pain when there is a secondary cancer in the liver
• to reduce pressure and relieve headaches and sickness when there is a secondary cancer in the brain. 

They are usually only given for short periods of time

Side effects can include: 

• indigestion
• having increased energy or feeling restless
• difficulty sleeping 
• increased appetite and weight gain
• a higher level of sugar in the blood

Sometimes steroids are given in high doses and are gradually reduced after you’ve had treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Having higher doses of steroids for a longer period may cause more side effects. 

• mood swings 
• weight gain 
• swollen feet or legs due to fluid retention 
• being more likely to get an infection

What is your experience with steroids as part of your treatment for secondary breast cancer?