After you've completed the big step of breast cancer treatment, you feel a sense of relief. It's like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders. But this is not the time to just think, "Okay, it's over now." In fact, the most important journey for your healthy future begins now. The time after treatment, or what we call ``Follow-Up Care,'' is crucial to maintaining your well-being.
Do you need to see the doctor regularly?
Yes, absolutely. After your treatment is complete, it is essential to continue to stay in touch with the oncologist and surgeon who treated you. They are like two guardians who look after your health.
Typically, the schedule that doctors recommend might look like this:
- First 2 years after treatment : Every 3 months.
- 3 to 5 years: Once every 6 months.
- After 5 years: Once a year.
But this is not the same for everyone. Your doctor may change this schedule depending on your diagnosis, type of treatment, and your personal health condition. So, talk to your doctor about the schedule that is right for you.
What tests are being done at this time?
Mammogram: This is a must-have. You will be asked to have a mammogram between 6 and 12 months after your treatment. After that, you will need to have this done at least once a year. If you have had a total mastectomy, this test will only be done on the remaining breast.
Blood tests and X-rays: If you don't have symptoms, regular chest X-rays or blood tests aren't always reliable. However, if you've had chemotherapy , your doctor will order regular blood tests to see if your body is recovering from it.
Pay attention to changes in your body.
Between visits to the doctor, you are your body's best observer. If cancer does come back, it is most likely to happen within 5 years of the first treatment. So, listen to your body. It is very important to do a monthly breast self-exam. Pay special attention to the following changes :
| Type of changes | Things to be careful about |
|---|---|
| Breast or chest changes |
|
| Changes elsewhere in the body |
Points to pay special attention to
- Tamoxifen: If you are taking this medication, tell your doctor right away if you have unusual vaginal bleeding. This is because women who take this medication after menopause and have not had their uterus removed may have a slightly increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
- Osteoporosis risk: If you are postmenopausal, taking an aromatase inhibitor , or have previously had chemotherapy, you are at risk of developing weak bones. So get regular bone density (osteoporosis) tests.
Is there a risk of other cancers?
This is a scary question, but it's important to know the truth. Having had breast cancer means you have a slightly higher chance of developing a second, different type of breast cancer. Also, having a history of breast cancer can slightly increase your risk of developing some other types of cancer. This doesn't mean you will definitely get it, it just means your risk is slightly higher.
- Cancer of the salivary glands
- Stomach cancer
- Esophagus cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cancer of the uterus (uterus)
- Skin cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Colon cancer
- Soft tissue cancer `(Sarcoma)`
- Melanoma, a type of skin cancer
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Don't panic after seeing this list. It's just a reminder that you should always be aware of all of these things. If you notice anything unusual in your body, the most important thing is to tell your doctor without ignoring it.
Don't forget about your general health too.
After cancer treatment, don't limit your focus to just the cancer. Your overall health is important. So see your family doctor (GP) or gynecologist regularly. They will check on your other health problems.
- Bone density: Some cancer drugs and menopause can weaken bones.
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Weight gain or obesity
It's important to get checked for these conditions as well. Also, get your flu shots and other necessary vaccinations.
Everyone's cancer and recovery journey is different. Don't compare your treatment plan and results to others. Your journey is unique to you. Make taking care of your physical and mental well-being a priority in your life.
Take-Home Message
- After treatment is complete, it is essential to continue to follow up with your oncologist and surgeon as scheduled.
- You know your body best. If you notice a new, unusual change in your breasts or anywhere else on your body, don't ignore it and tell your doctor right away.
- Take care of your general health as well. Control things like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Your mental well-being is as important as your physical well-being. Seek counseling if necessary and do things that make you happy.
- Your journey is unique. Don't compare it to others. Follow a health plan that works for you.
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