All breast cancer survivors need to see their health care providers on a regular basis. The goals of these follow-up visits are to:
- Find any breast cancer that has returned to the breast, chest or nearby lymph nodes (recurrence).
- Find any breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
- Find any new breast tumors.
- Lower the risk of recurrence and metastasis.
- Find and manage any side effects related to treatment (such as lymphedema, endometrial cancer or heart problems).
- Provide other health screenings (such as screening for colon and skin cancers, bone density tests and for women, pelvic exams and Pap smears).
- Provide ongoing primary care (monitoring your general health, such as checking your blood pressure and cholesterol).
- Give you a time to ask questions and share concerns.
Recommended medical care after treatment for breast cancer
Follow-up care after breast cancer treatment (see Figure 6.1) includes [14]:
- Physical exams
- Mammograms
- Bone health tests
- Pelvic exams (for women)
During follow-up visits, your health care provider will discuss any signs of recurrence and ask you about any symptoms or concerns you have.
These visits are a good time to talk about how you’re coping emotionally. Your 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 plus radiation therapy
|
Six to 12 months after radiation therapy ends, then every 12 months. |
| |
Women treated with mastectomy |
Every 12 months.
|
| Pelvic exam and Pap smear |
Women on tamoxifen who have not had their uterus removed (have not had a hysterectomy) |
Every 12 months. |
Bone health exams
|
Women at higher risk of osteoporosis due to risk factors including:
- Aromatase inhibitor use
- Early menopause due to treatment
- Age 65 years or older
- Age 60 to 64 years with family history of osteoporosis or with low body weight
|
Regular bone mineral density tests. |
| |
Women at lower risk of osteoporosis
|
Office visit to check osteoporosis risk, every 12 months. |
Adapted from National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) materials [14-15].
Updated 06/24/11
