Medical Services • Breast Care

Northwest Community Breast Center Follow-up and Surveillance Guidelines for Patients

The Northwest Community Breast Center Physicians Advisory Board has the following recommendations for a woman who has completed her breast cancer treatment:

• A careful history and physical exam should be completed every 3-6 months.  If you have concerns, write them down and call your physician between visits.
• Breast self-examination is an important part of your follow-up care.  This should be done monthly.  If you need instruction, please call our Breast Nurse Navigator in The Breast Center at 847-618-5880.
• Mammography remains important.  A baseline is usually completed at 6 months post radiation and then yearly after that.  Having your mammogram done each year at the same place is beneficial.
• Pelvic examination and PAP smears should be done yearly. Please report any abnormal bleeding to your physician.
• Lifestyle activities that include maintaining a healthy weight; engaging in 30 or more minutes of intentional physical activity 5 days a week; consuming a healthy diet and limiting alcohol intake are recommended to improve your lifelong health.
• Your physician may recommend other imaging and blood tests as needed consistent with guidelines.
  

Get additional support

You may find it helpful to spend a few sessions speaking with a counselor who is familiar with the issue of breast cancer and recovery. We also encourage you to expand your support network by joining a support group.

Reconstructive surgery

If you have had a mastectomy, reconstruction surgery is a viable option.