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Key points
- It is more likely that you will find a cancer that has
come back or spread than your doctor.
- If you notice a new lump or experience new symptoms, you
should follow up immediately.
- You shields still have regular follow up. Your doctor
or oncologist should monitor your progress and provide support
- The most likely places where cancer may spread are the
skin, bones lungs and liver.
- Everyone develops aches and pains. It will be hard for
you not to worry if you do experience pain or other symptoms.
In most cases these will not mean the cancer has returned.
You should follow up any new symptoms
Recommended follow up
Experts recommend follow up with your doctor or surgeon on
a regular basis. The usual follow up recommended is set out
below. Not everyone will need to be monitored this closely.
However if it is suggested that you follow up less frequently
you should ask why and if you are not comfortable ask for
more frequent checkups.
| |
1st year |
1-5 years |
After 5 years |
|
History and examination
|
every 3 months |
every 6 months |
every year |
|
Mammogram
|
6-12 months after completion
of radiation treatment |
every year |
every year |
| Other tests such as
blood tests, bone scans and chest X-rays |
Not
required for routine follow up of women with early breast
cancer.
You may have additional tests
where there is spread to the lymph nodes
Specific
tests may be done if you have other symptoms of possible
spread to other parts of the body
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If there is concern about possible spread, you may have the
following tests after your operation and may have some or
all of them at regular intervals thereafter:
- blood tests
- a chest X-ray to check for spread to the lungs
- a bone scan to check for spread to the bones ( radioactive
isotope is injected. This will be absorbed by any secondary
cancer and show up on the gamma camera when scanned a few
hours later).
- a liver ultrasound scan (to check for metastases in the
liver).
This information has been provided via the National Breast
Cancer Centre
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