People will typically attend regular follow-up appointments for the first 5 years after breast cancer treatment. After that, follow-up appointments occur at least once a year.
The type and frequency of follow-up treatment may depend on factors such as the type and stage of breast cancer and the treatment a person receives.
Generally, a follow-up will include a physical examination and mammography for remaining breast tissue. People may also need other tests, such as pelvic exams and bone health tests, depending on their breast cancer treatment.
Typically, people will have an oncologist appointment
For the first 5 years, people may consult an oncologist every 3 to 6 months. This is because the risk of breast cancer returning is highest in the first 5 years. People with breast cancer have an increased risk of cancer developing in the unaffected breast, as well as other types of cancer, including ovarian, uterine, and colon cancer.
The frequency of follow-up appointments may decrease the longer people are cancer-free.
A person will continue to have regular follow-up appointments for 5 years post-treatment. After this, they may have a follow-up once a year.
Follow-up treatment allows healthcare professionals to monitor people’s health and well-being after treatment. This includes:
- helping people manage or recover from any side effects of treatment
- checking the body is healing well after cancer treatments
- monitoring for any signs of cancer recurrence or new cancer
Doctors also check for signs of any complications of breast cancer treatments. This includes:
- checking for signs of lymphedema, which is swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid
- heart function tests, as some breast cancer medications can affect the heart
- bone density scan, as aromatase inhibitors can cause osteoporosis
- pelvic exam to check for cancerous changes in the uterus due to taking tamoxifen
The following table includes recommended medical care following breast cancer treatment:
| Type of medical care | Who can benefit from it? | How often? |
|---|---|---|
| Physical exam | Everyone who has had breast cancer treatment. | Every 3 to 6 months for the first 5 years, then once a year. |
| Mammogram for both breasts | People who have had lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. | Between |
| Mammogram for unaffected breast | People who have had a mastectomy to remove an entire breast. | Once a year. |
| Pelvic exam | For people who have a uterus and are taking tamoxifen or toremifene. | Once a year. |
| Bone health monitoring | For people taking aromatase inhibitors or if treatment has caused early menopause. | Bone mineral density screening every |
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It is also important for anyone who is living with or caring for a person with cancer to get seasonal flu shots.
People with a weakened immune system can also discuss other vaccinations with a doctor, including COVID-19 vaccines and pneumococcal shots.
Some lifestyle factors
Reaching and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI)
Having overweight and obesity may increase the risk of breast cancer returning and can increase the risk of lymphedema and mortality with breast cancer.
It is unclear if reaching a healthy BMI helps reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, but it does have multiple benefits and may reduce the risk of some cancers.
Staying physically active
Physical activity may reduce the risk of breast cancer returning and lower mortality risk. Physical activity may help reduce fatigue and the risk of lymphedema or improve symptoms.
Eating a balanced diet
It is unclear whether certain diets can reduce the risk of breast cancer returning, but following a balanced diet may help improve overall health and prolong life.
People can aim for a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein and reduce their intake of red and processed meats, refined sugars, and fatty foods.
Avoiding alcohol
Alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer, but it is not clear whether it affects breast cancer returning.
It can increase estrogen levels in the body, which may increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Although this requires further research, experts advise avoiding alcohol.
What is the average life span after breast cancer?
Life expectancy after breast cancer can depend on many factors, such as the type of breast cancer and stage of cancer at diagnosis.
- 91% after 5 years
- 86% after 10 years
- 81% after 15 years
When do doctors consider a person to be in remission from breast cancer?
Doctors consider people to be in partial remission from breast cancer if there is
What can a person expect for the first mammogram after breast cancer?
People may have their first mammogram
The first mammogram will become the baseline for the treated breast. Doctors will compare future mammograms to the first one to monitor for any changes.
However, when a person has their first mammogram after breast cancer treatment will depend on the treatment they received or are receiving.
Follow-up care after breast cancer treatment allows doctors to monitor recovery, manage any side effects, and check for any signs of recurring or new cancer.
People will have regular follow-up appointments in the first 5 years after breast cancer treatment. After this, follow-ups will usually take place once a year.
