As we all know, Breast Cancer is the second leading cause of female cancer deaths in the US, and each year, over 170,000 new cases are discovered. This shows how serious this disease is. There are a number of treatment methods available for breast cancer patients, but once the treatment is done, it doesn’t end there. Doctors say that there is always another chance that the patient could contract the disease later in life, especially in the uninfected breast.
Due to this factor, doctors have recommended follow-up care for women who have already undergone breast cancer treatment. Given below is a follow-up checklist that breast cancer survivors should pursue as a precautionary measure. By following these guidelines, it is more likely that the doctor will be able to diagnose any new breast cancer formations at their earliest and the breast cancer survivor will be more informed on his/her health condition after treatment.
- Schedule regular appointments with your doctor. Also keep in touch with your oncologist, since he/she will be able to diagnose any formation of lumps in your breast or any other areas, which could probably be a recurrence of cancer. It is suggested that a doctor be visited and a physical examination be done every 3-6 months for 3 years, then every 6-12 months for the next 2 years, and yearly (every 12 months) thereafter.
- Have regular mammograms (once or twice a year), even after a mastectomy, because the chances of breast cancer recurrence is high, especially for those who suffered from it at a younger age.
- Monthly self breast examinations are also recommended. By doing so, you will be able to observe any changes in your breast region as well as in your body. Be on the look for symptoms such as:
- Feel of a lump underneath your skin (breast and underarm area)
- Chest pain
- Swelling, redness or rashes in the skin
- Pain in the bones
- Constant abdominal pain
- Loss of weight
- Shortness of breath
- An annual Pelvic examination is also recommended.
- During this post-treatment period, make sure that you do not do routine X-ray testing, CAT scans and bone scans, because it could prove harmful for your body. The main reason behind this is because, the good cells will need time to heal and with routine X-rays or gamma rays, these cells will be damaged, thus slowing the healing process.
- Doctors also recommend that routine blood laboratory testing NOT be done.
- Keep the breast cancer survivor happy, always. Keeping them emotionally well is as important as ensuring their physical well-being.
- Do not compare your treatment schedule with another patient’s schedule and change yours to match them, because treatment patterns can change with different cases.
By strictly following the points mentioned above, one could ensure that new breast cancers are diagnosed early and at the same time ensure good health and well-being of the breast cancer survivor. |
