Routine Health Care and Check-ups After Breast Cancer
The American Society for clinical oncology has specific guidelines for after treatment care for breast cancer survivors.
The usual schedule for routine care after breast cancer treatment follows these recommendations. However, they are recommendations and can always be modified for a 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 4th & 5th 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 yearly primary care doctor visit for a physical exam and thorough history taking is important.
Citations
American Society for Clinical Oncology. http://www.cancer.net/patient/Publications+and+Resources/What+to+Know%3A+ASCO%27s+Guidelines/What+to+Know%3A+ASCO%27s+Guideline+on+Follow-Up+Care+for+Breast+Cancer?sectionTitle=Recommendations§ionId=101150&vgnextrefresh=1
Published by Susan Brink
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- Post-treatment recommendations can be changed to meet specific patient needs.
- During the 3 years post treament, see your doctor every 3 - 6 months.
- By 5 years post-treatment you will be scheduling a regular once a year visit.