What is the follow-up after a breast cancer is removed?
After you have treatment for breast cancer, it is very important
to discuss any new symptoms or problems with your healthcare
provider. Prevention or early detection of the recurrence of
cancer should be a joint effort by both you and your provider.
This should continue throughout your lifetime.
What happens during follow-up exams?
You will see your healthcare provider (usually your oncologist)
about every 3 months for the first year after breast cancer
surgery. At each follow-up visit your provider will check for
return of the cancer or spread of the cancer to other parts of
your body. You will have a physical exam and lab tests. Mammograms
and other X-ray exams may be done on a regular basis, but they
will not be done at every visit. If a lump is found, it will be
checked very carefully. You may have a biopsy.
After the first year, depending on how you are doing, your visits
will probably be less frequent.
How can I take care of myself?
Be sure to eat a healthy diet, quit smoking if you are a smoker,
and follow an exercise program recommended by your healthcare
provider.
Breast self-exams and yearly mammograms are an important part of
your continued good health. Your yearly mammogram is even more
important after you have been treated for breast cancer.
Between visits with your healthcare provider, watch for the
following signs that the cancer may have come back:
- changes you feel in a breast or in your scar during your
breast self-exam, especially thickenings, lumps, redness,
pain, or swelling
- long-lasting pain in the shoulder, breast, hip, lower back,
pelvis, or legs
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss or gain
- long-lasting cough.
None of these symptoms is a clear sign that the cancer has come
back. It is important, though, to report any of these changes to
your provider as soon as possible. Do not wait until your next
scheduled checkup.
There are many support groups for women who have had breast
cancer. These groups can help with emotional concerns and
questions after surgery and with practical things such as finding
comfortable bras and bathing suits. Ask your healthcare provider
for information about the group nearest you.
For more information on cancer, contact:
Developed by Phyllis G. Cooper, RN, MN, and RelayHealth.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.