When to have follow-up visits

If you were treated for early-stage breast cancer, you will have regular follow-up visits during the first few years after you finish chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and/or immunotherapy. Your healthcare provider will monitor any ongoing side effects and make sure there are no signs of cancer in your body.

The timing and frequency of follow-up visits can vary based on the type and stage of the breast cancer you had, treatments you received, treatments you’re still getting, how you’re feeling, and how long you’ve been cancer-free.

The American Society for Clinical Oncology recommends this schedule for follow-up visits with your oncologist:

• During the first 3 years after treatment: Every 3 to 6 months
• During years 4 and 5 after treatment: Every 6 to 12 months
• 5 years or more after treatment: Once a year

Your provider may want to see you on a different schedule, depending on your situation.
One way you can take charge of your care is by bringing concerns and questions to your provider at your scheduled visits. Knowledge can help you feel more in control.

If you have a physical symptom that concerns you between visits, reach out to your provider. After breast cancer, it’s common to worry when you have physical symptoms like fatigue, pain, a headache, or a cough. Usually, these are normal aches and pains. But they can feel distressing, because they can also be signs of cancer recurrence. Most providers practice the “2-week rule”: if a symptom lasts longer than 2 weeks, make an appointment.

Here are some tests you might have after you finish initial treatment:

• If you had a lumpectomy and radiation, you should get a yearly mammogram of both breasts.
• If you had a single mastectomy, you should get a yearly mammogram of the remaining breast.
• If a mammogram shows that you have a breast density level of C or D, breast ultrasound or breast MRI may be added to your yearly breast screening.
• If you are taking hormonal therapy, you should see your gynecologist regularly. Tamoxifen and medicines like it can increase your risk of uterine cancer.
• If you are taking an aromatase inhibitor, you may get tests for bone density, because these medicines can affect your bone health.
• If there are any signs that the cancer might have recurred, or come back, your doctor may order tests including x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, bone scans, or blood tests.

Learn more about testing.