Worried about it coming back?

Most people worry about the cancer coming back (recurrence). These worries are normal, and the fear and anxiety usually lessens with time. Knowing how to continue to be breast aware after treatment and the symptoms that need to be reported can help manage your feelings of uncertainty.

'I need to be told: "You are cured" but know this will not happen. Maybe when the five years is up I will feel more relaxed.'
Kathy

Several years ago people were followed up indefinitely after breast cancer treatment, however research has shown this is not effective in finding any recurrence or a new primary breast cancer.

How you are followed up and the time between appointments will depend on your individual needs and on the arrangements at the hospital you have been treated in.

You should be given a name and contact number to ring (usually your breast care nurse) in case you have concerns or symptoms, which could mean you need to be seen sooner. You can also contact your local GP.

You can read more about this in our booklet, Your follow-up after breast cancer: what's next.

The treatment you will have received for your particular type of breast cancer will have been given to try and ensure it is as effective as possible to reduce the risk of the breast cancer coming back at its original site or elsewhere in the body.

While most people have no further problems, sometimes breast cancer can return after primary treatment.