Some women are at higher risk for the spread and return of breast cancer. The risk factors for recurrence are complex. They are not absolute forecasts of what the future will be.

The Risk Factors are:

• Tumor size: The larger your tumor, the higher your risk.

• Lymph nodes: The more lymph nodes in your armpit that have cancer, the higher your risk.

• Cell studies: New tests can measure the growth rate and aggressiveness of the tumor Cells. The cancer cells that show the most rapid growth are linked to higher risk for the return of cancer.