cancer treatment - breast cancer follow up
| After you have completed your initial treatments ( surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or hormonal treatment), you will be closely followed up for at least 5 years. This will involve:
The reason for following you up closely is to detect any potential problems early. Once you have had a breast cancer, you are at a slightly higher risk of developing a second one, either in the same breast or the other breast. These are more treatable if found early. If you have any worries, or develop symptoms at any time, you should make an appointment to see the breast physician even if your normal appointment is not due. Most symptoms are completely benign, and you can be reassured. When you see the breast physician she will thoroughly examine your breasts by palpation and ultrasound. She will also ask you about any other concerns or symptoms you have. She will also check your scars and your medication. If necessary, she can organize a referral to your surgeon or oncologist and determine if you need any routine follow-up blood tests, or any further x-rays,or scans. These will of course be organised if you develop new symptoms or if there are changes on your follow up investigations. |