FOLLOW-UP
Regular follow-up after the breast cancer is treated aims to provide support to the patients, deal with possible side effects of the treatment and detect possible recurrences early. Recurrence of cancer may occur due to cancer cells that are left behind in the breast tissue, lymph nodes or chest wall or due to micrometastases to other parts of the body that have started to grow and become detectable. The risk of recurrence depends on the nature of the cancer (in situ or invasive), the size and clinical stage of the tumour and the presence and number of cancer positive lymph nodes.
The first follow-up visit is usually scheduled about 6 weeks after the cancer treatment is completed. Since most recurrences occur during the first two to five years after treatment during this time follow-up visits are usually scheduled every six months and after the five years have passed an annual check-up is considered to be sufficient to detect any new problems.
During the follow-up visits the breast region, arms, neck, chest and abdomen are examined and any symptoms of pain or arm welling are investigated and closely monitored. A mammogram is done six months after the treatment is completed to be used as a baseline of the new ‘normal’ anatomy of the breast and will be compared with future mammograms, which should be taken annually.
Routine bone or liver scans and chest X-rays are recommended only if related symptoms of recurrence are present. Finally patients are advised to take the time to learn the new anatomy of their breasts by conducting a thorough monthly self-examination so that any lumps or abnormalities can be reported to the physician early.
Regular follow-up after the breast cancer is treated aims to provide support to the patients, deal with possible side effects of the treatment and detect possible recurrences early. Recurrence of cancer may occur due to cancer cells that are left behind in the breast tissue, lymph nodes or chest wall or due to micrometastases to other parts of the body that have started to grow and become detectable. The risk of recurrence depends on the nature of the cancer (in situ or invasive), the size and clinical stage of the tumour and the presence and number of cancer positive lymph nodes.
The first follow-up visit is usually scheduled about 6 weeks after the cancer treatment is completed. Since most recurrences occur during the first two to five years after treatment during this time follow-up visits are usually scheduled every six months and after the five years have passed an annual check-up is considered to be sufficient to detect any new problems.
During the follow-up visits the breast region, arms, neck, chest and abdomen are examined and any symptoms of pain or arm welling are investigated and closely monitored. A mammogram is done six months after the treatment is completed to be used as a baseline of the new ‘normal’ anatomy of the breast and will be compared with future mammograms, which should be taken annually.
Routine bone or liver scans and chest X-rays are recommended only if related symptoms of recurrence are present. Finally patients are advised to take the time to learn the new anatomy of their breasts by conducting a thorough monthly self-examination so that any lumps or abnormalities can be reported to the physician early.