Follow-up exams

People who have had breast cancer need regular follow-up examinations in the years after their treatment. The exact schedule will depend on individual circumstances. In general, however, routine care should involve visiting your doctor every three to six months for a physical exam and clinical breast exam, if you had a lumpectomy plus radiation, or an evaluation of the chest wall and unaffected breast if you chose mastectomy.

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Regardless of the type of treatment, this schedule should continue for at least five years after treatment and then yearly thereafter. Breast self-examination each month is often suggested. Any change in breast tissue or nearby sites, as well as signs or symptoms that may suggest a recurrence, should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. Signs include new, persistent pain in the bones, chest, or abdomen; weight loss, and shortness of breath. If you are taking tamoxifen and have not had a hysterectomy, you will need a yearly Pap test and pelvic examination because of the small risk of uterine cancer associated with this drug. If you have new symptoms, your doctor will recommend the necessary tests to determine whether they are associated with a metastatic recurrence.