Regular follow up is essential after treatment for breast cancer. Women diagnosed with early breast cancer have an increased risk of the cancer coming back in the breast or breast tissue (left on the chest after mastectomy), or of developing breast cancer in the opposite breast.
After your treatment for breast cancer you should be regularly followed up by your GP, surgeon, radiation oncologist or medical oncologist. Regular follow-up makes sure that if breast cancer comes back in the breast, breast tissue, or the other breast, it is promptly treated. If you change doctors at any time, ask your new doctor to request your medical records from your previous doctor.
Regular follow up also allows your doctor to check for, and manage, any side effects from treatment that might develop after you have finished treatment. Some women find it reassuring to have regular check-ups, while other women feel very anxious around the time of their follow up appointments. Both reactions are normal. Talk to your doctors if you feel very anxious, as help is available.
What do follow up appointments involve?
Appropriate follow up after a diagnosis of early breast cancer involves regular physical examinations and mammograms.
Physical examinations:
A physical examination of the breast/chest where the cancer was and of your opposite breast will be done by your doctor.
- For 1–2 years after treatment:
A physical examination is recommended once every 3 months. - For 2–5 years after treatment:
A physical examination is recommended once every 6 months. - For more than 5 years after treatment:
A physical examination is recommended once a year.
These are the current recommendations. Depending on your situation and your doctor, your physical examinations could be more or less often.
Mammograms and/or ultrasound scans:
If you have had breast conserving surgery:a mammogram (and/or ultrasound, if appropriate) on the same side as your surgery is recommended 6 to 12 months after treatment. A mammogram for both sides is then recommended once a year.
If you have had a mastectomy:
A mammogram (and/or ultrasound) of your opposite breast is recommended once a year. You will usually need to have a mammogram (and/or ultrasound) before seeing your surgeon or radiation oncologist, so you can discuss the results with them. Your GP or specialist will give you a referral to have a mammogram.
