All breast cancer survivors need to see their health care providers regularly. This follow-up care helps track the effectiveness of treatment and gives you a time to ask questions and share your concerns.
The goals of these regular visits are to:
- Find any cancer that has returned to the breast, chest or nearby lymph nodes (local recurrence).
- Find breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (distant recurrence).
- Find any new breast tumors.
- Find any side effects related to treatment (such as lymphedema, endometrial cancer or heart problems).
- Screen for other health-related risks (such as pelvic exams and Pap smears for women).
(Adapted from National Health and Medical Research Council materials [12].)
Follow-up care after breast cancer treatment (see Figure 6.1) includes regular physical exams, mammograms, bone health tests and pelvic exams (for women) [13].
During follow-up visits with your health care provider, you will learn about any symptoms of recurrence and you will be asked about any symptoms or concerns you're having. This is a good time to talk about how you’re coping emotionally. Your health care provider can also refer you to a support group or counselor.
Figure 6.1: Recommended Medical Care After Treatment for Breast Cancer
| Medical history and physical exam |
All survivors
|
Every four to six months for five years, then every 12 months. |
| Mammogram |
Women treated with lumpectomy and radiation
|
Six months after radiation therapy ends, then every six to 12 months. |
| |
Women treated with mastectomy |
Every 12 months.
|
| Pelvic exam/Pap smear |
Women who have not had their uterus removed (have not had a hysterectomy) |
Every 12 months. |
Bone health exams
|
Women at higher risk of osteoporosis (women with risk factors such as, age > 65 years; age 60-64 years with family history/low body weight; aromatase inhibitor use; treatment-related menopause) |
Bone mineral density test every 12 months. |
| |
Women at lower risk of osteoporosis
|
Office visit to check osteoporosis risk, every 12 months. |
Adapted from NCCN, Practice Guidelines in Oncology, 2007 [14] and ASCO 2003 update on the role of bisphosphonates and bone health issues in women with breast cancer, 2003 [15].
Updated 03/14/09
