Breast Cancer

Regular follow-up after breast cancer surgery is essential for monitoring recovery, detecting recurrence early, and managing long-term side effects.

 

1. Physical Examinations: Routine check-ups by your doctor to examine the surgical area and overall health.

 

2. Laboratory Tests: Blood tests may be performed depending on your condition and treatment history.

 

3. Imaging Studies:

• Mammography and breast ultrasound are standard imaging tools to monitor breast tissue.
• Breast MRI may be used in certain cases when more detailed imaging is needed.
• For systemic evaluation, chest and abdominal CT scans, and bone scans may be performed.
• If there are symptoms suggesting metastasis, additional tests like PET/CT or brain MRI may be recommended.

 

4. Follow-up Schedule

• Every 6 months for the first 5 years
• Then once a year (annually) after 5 years

 

Your follow-up plan may vary depending on your treatment, stage of cancer, and individual risk factors

Monitoring for Treatment-related Side Effects

For patients receiving hormonal (endocrine) therapy, additional tests may include:

• Bone density scans to check for osteoporosis
• Gynecologic exams to monitor for hormonal side effects

 

A. Diet

Rather than stressing over strict dietary rules, maintaining a balanced diet with a variety of foods is more important for your health.

 

1. Plant-based eating with an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.

 

2. Protein intake: 

• Recommends lean proteins like poultry, fish, and plant-based sources such as Tofu, lentils, and beans.
• Choose lean cuts of meat and opt for boiling or simmering rather than frying as a cooking method.

 

3. Restrict red meats, processed meats, sugary drinks, and refined foods.

 

4. Avoid unproven health supplements.

 

B. Getting to a healthy weight 

1. Body weight and breast cancer risk:

Maintaining a healthy weight is an important factor in preventing breast cancer.

Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer, particularly after menopause, due to higher estrogen levels stored in body fat.

 

2. Weight and recurrence risk:

Many breast cancer patients experience weight gain after diagnosis, which can increase the risk of recurrence. Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and secondary cancers.

 

3. Recommendations: 

Adherence to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and abstinence from alcohol.

 

C. Exercise

Exercise is one of the most important activities to stay healthy in the course of treatment.

 

1. Recommendations:

• Regular aerobic exercise(e.g., walking, jogging, cycling) and strength training (e.g., lifting weights, resistance bands) 
• Start with 3days of moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes each day, then add 2days of vigorous-intensity exercise for 15minutes each day. 
• Gradually increase exercise time to 5hours a week and incorporate more vigorous-intensity exercise for additional health benefits.
• Increase overall physical activity and reduce sedentary time. 

 

2. Health Benefits:

Regular exercise may improve long-term survival and reduce risk of recurrence. Exercise reduces anxiety, depression, and fatigue and supports weight management. It also improves cardiovascular health, and can mitigate side effect of cancer treatment. In addition, It plays a role in preventing certain cancers. 

 

3. Precautions: 

Start gradually according to your fitness level during treatment and avoid overexertion.

 

D. Alcohol

Alcohol increases breast cancer risk at all levels of consumption. Even one drink a day can increase the risk of breast cancer. Avoid alcohol when possible or limit intake to no more than one drink per day for women is recommended.