Follow-Up Care After Treatment for Breast Cancer

Women should be especially watchful in the first 3 years after diagnosis since 60 to 80% of all recurrences happen during that time. Check in with your primary care doctor, make an appointment if you have any concerns, and keep up with the recommended tests. The following are symptoms to watch out for and report so that you can monitor your own health and use your physician for the best possible health.

New Pain

Are you noticing any of these symptoms?

• An ache in a bone
• Tenderness that doesn't go away
• A pain in the chest area

If so, make an urgent care appointment with your primary care doctor or oncologist. For chest pain, call your doctor to report your symptoms and follow the doctor's recommendations.

Shortness of breath

You may feel out of shape and easily fatigued right after treatment has ended. But if you notice that you're having trouble getting a full breath, there are other causes that should be ruled out.

Skin changes

Have you noticed any unusual rashes, skin reddening, or swelling? Once in a while, look your body over in a full mirror before you dress. Anything amiss?

Breast area changes

Have you noticed any changes in either breast or in the area where the breast has been removed? These changes include reddened skin, swelling or puffiness, or warm skin that looks dimpled. Are there any changes to the scar, your armpit, or along the collarbone?

Brain changes

Have you noticed any of the following symptoms?

• Headaches that are new or of a different quality than your usual headache

• Increased clumsiness as you move about

• Mental confusion

Many things can cause these symptoms, including perimenopause and fatigue. However, it's a good idea to get them checked out and talk to your doctor about remedies.

Weight loss

If you've lost some weight recently and have no explanation for it, you should get it checked out.

Routine Care after Breast Cancer Recommendations

The schedule for Routine Care after Breast Cancer follows these recommendations, but can always be modified by your specific situation:

Every month:

Perform a breast self-exam by checking your remaining breast tissue monthly for swelling, lumps, or redness. Ask a member of your health team to teach you how to do this if you're not sure. If you're still menstruating, the best time to do the self-exam is a few days after your period has started.

Every 3 to 6 months during first 3 years:

See your oncologist for a physical exam and careful history of any health issues or changes. Your doctor will tell you how often to see her or him.

For women who've had a lumpectomy followed by radiation, the first post-treatment mammogram should be 6 months after radiation, then annually thereafter.

Every 6 to 12 months during 4^th & 5^th years after treatment:

See either your oncologist or primary care doctor for a physical examination and history taking.

After 5 years from diagnosis, annual check ups:

Yearly mammograms are recommended and should include all remaining tissue after a mastectomy and a breast that includes an implant or reconstructed tissue.

A yearly pelvic exam is also important, unless you've had a total hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries. It should include a pap test and vaginal and rectal exams. If you're taking tamoxifen, there's a slightly higher risk of endometrial or uterine cancer, so report unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding.

A doctor visit for a physical exam and thorough history taking is important.