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Follow-up screening for recurrence?

Page last modified on: December 8, 2008
Question from Teddy-2: I had diagnosis of Stage I, followed by lumpectomy and radiation and am now on Femara. What is the recommendation for follow-up screening for recurrence?
Answer —Lynn Hartmann, M.D.: Generally, a physician or nurse practitioner exam every six months for five years, including annual mammography for both her affected breast and her other breast. There are different schools of thought about how aggressively to pursue tests or markers in this setting. Most studies do not show a benefit with aggressive testing.

If there is a problem, generally the patient has symptoms that direct us to the source of the problem. Multiple tests in this setting, like bone scans or CT (computerized axial tomography) scans, can turn up false positive results that lead to anxiety and no benefit.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Risk Reduction. Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about a variety of topics such as screening with mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds; breast biopsies; lifestyle changes that make a difference; and making hard decisions about prophylactic surgeries.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D.Lynn Hartmann, M.D. is a professor of oncology at the Mayo Clinic and associate director for education of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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