 |
Understanding DCIS
- Causes of
DCIS
- Genetic
Testing
- Self
Advocacy
- Decisions
- Screening
- Getting a
Biopsy
- When DCIS
is Diagnosed
- Getting
a Second Opinion
- Psychological
Impact
- Understanding
Risk
- Treatment
|
Follow-Up Patients with DCIS who have been successfully treated in one breast are at risk for developing both a recurrence in the treated breast and cancer in the other breast. These patients require lifelong follow-up, including mammograms at least once a year and regular breast exams performed by health professionals trained in breast examination. |
It is important for women to continue with regularly scheduled breast examinations after their treatment. This includes both clinical examination by their health care provider and a self-exam by the woman herself.
Women who have had a total mastectomy or a lumpectomy, with or without radiation treatment, need a clinical examination every six months for five years. After initial treatment, a mammogram should be requested in six months. Annual mammograms and yearly physical exams are recommended for all DCIS patients for life.
Regular follow-up care is very important. A patient who has DCIS in one breast has an increased risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the other breast. Early detection of any cancer recurrence is critical.
