who should i see for breast cancer treatment

Figure 6.1: Recommended medical care after breast cancer treatment

	Who	Plan for care
Medical history and physical exam	Everyone treated for breast cancer	1-4 times a year (depending on your situ ...
Mammogram (of the remaining breast tissu ...	People treated with lumpectomy plus radi ...	6-12 months after radiation therapy ends ...
Mammogram (of the remaining breast tissu ...	People treated with mastectomy	1 year after mammogram that led to diagn ...
Mammogram (of the remaining breast tissu ...	People treated with mastectomy and breas ...	The reconstructed breast (s) does not ne ...

Apr 22 2022

Full Answer

What kind of Doctor do you see for breast cancer?

These doctors could include: A breast surgeon or surgical oncologist: a doctor who uses surgery to treat breast cancer. A radiation oncologist: a doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer. A medical oncologist: a doctor who uses chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and other medicines to treat cancer.

How often should you see a doctor for breast cancer?

Breast Cancer Specialists. Medical oncologist. A doctor who specializes in the medical treatment of cancer.

What happens at my first visit to my oncologist for breast cancer?

Jun 25, 2021 · A doctor who sees only people with breast cancer likely has more experience treating breast cancer than one who treats many types of cancer. However, outside of large medical centers, it can be hard to find doctors (such as medical oncologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists) who only treat people with breast cancer.

Are doctors board certified in breast cancer surgery?

If your doctor recently diagnosed you with breast cancer, you’ll have an appointment to meet your oncologist. These doctors are cancer specialists who will help direct your treatment plan and ...

What doctor do you see for breast problems?

Should you see an oncologist for breast cancer?

Which hospital is best for breast cancer treatment?

Do I see a surgeon or oncologist first?

What happens at your first oncology appointment for breast cancer?

What does an oncologist do for breast cancer?

Who is the best breast cancer oncologist?

How do I choose a breast cancer surgeon?

Which Treatments Are Used For Breast Cancer?

There are several ways to treat breast cancer, depending on its type and stage.Local treatments: Some treatments are local, meaning they treat the...

How Is Breast Cancer Typically Treated?

Most women with breast cancer will have some type of surgery to remove the tumor. Depending on the type of breast cancer and how advanced it is, yo...

Who Treats Breast Cancer?

Doctors on your cancer treatment team might include: 1. A breast surgeon or surgical oncologist: a doctor who uses surgery to treat breast cancer 2...

Making Treatment Decisions

It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decisi...

Help Getting Through Breast Cancer Treatment

Your cancer care team will be your first source of information and support, but there are many places you can get more help if you need it. Hospita...

What is a breast cancer specialist?

Breast Cancer Specialists. Medical oncologist. A doctor who specializes in the medical treatment of cancer. Medical oncologists have a thorough knowledge of how cancers behave and grow and how to use medication to treat them.

What is the role of a medical oncologist in breast cancer?

The medical oncologist manages your overall medical care for cancer and monitors your health during your treatment.

What does it mean to be board certified in cancer?

Board certification is a sign that a doctor is highly trained in their field. Several fields related to cancer care have national boards that set standards that doctors must meet in order to be certified.

What is the name of the doctor who treats cancer?

They check your progress often, review your lab and X-ray results, and coordinate your medical care before and after your treatment. Surgical oncologist. A doctor who specializes in the surgical treatment of cancer. Surgical oncologists do biopsies and other procedures such as removing a lump or a breast.

What is a breast surgeon?

Breast surgeon. A doctor who specializes in the surgical removal of breast tumors and lymph nodes while saving as much of the breast as possible.

What is the phone number for cancer?

Call the Cancer Information Service at 800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237) between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for more information about cancer treatment centers in your area. For a list of cancer centers online, go to cancer.gov. Choosing Your Support for Breast Cancer.

What can a psychologist do for cancer patients?

A psychologist can address more serious emotional challenges such as depression or anxiety, which are common in cancer patients.

Can a doctor see only breast cancer patients?

A doctor who sees only people with breast cancer likely has more experience treating breast cancer than one who treats many types of cancer . However, outside of large medical centers, it can be hard to find doctors (such as medical oncologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists) who only treat people with breast cancer.

How to be a board certified doctor?

To be board-certified, a doctor must have the training and knowledge to practice a medical specialty and must have passed a certification exam.

Why are directories important?

These directories are a good starting point because they often list doctors by medical specialty and gender. They may also have personal biographies that list education, training, certification and personal interests.

What does it mean when a doctor has a malpractice record?

Malpractice records can be a sign of the quality of care a doctor provides. If a doctor (or the doctor’s malpractice insurance company) has made malpractice payouts, this could be a sign they may not offer high-quality care.

What is an interview with a doctor?

An interview lets you assess a doctor’s personality and communication skills. This is a chance to see whether you feel you can connect with the doctor. For many people, a doctor must be someone they feel comfortable with on a personal level.

What is the ABMs?

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) oversees the certification of specialists. The ABMS online directory allows you to check that a doctor is board-certified. Many doctors post their ABMS certificates in their offices. The American Medical Association maintains DoctorFinder, a database of U.S. doctors.

What to bring to an oncologist appointment?

It also may help to bring these things to your appointment: Your medical history. A timeline of your surgeries and other major medical events will help your oncologist better understand your overall health. Include information about your breast cancer diagnosis, such as initial symptoms, treatments you’ve tried, and which doctors you’ve consulted. ...

What are the factors that determine the prognosis of cancer?

Your prognosis, or chances of survival, will depend on a mix of factors that may include: Your cancer stage (how big the tumor is and how far it’s spread) and grade (how fast the cancer cells grow) Your overall health. Your age. How well you respond to treatment. Everyone is different.

Can you call your doctor about cancer?

However, if you have additional concerns about your cancer, you do not have to wait until your next scheduled visit. You can call your doctor immediately.

Do you need a mammogram after a mastectomy?

Women who've had a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) typically no longer need mammograms on that side. But unless you've had both breasts removed, you still need to have yearly mammograms on the remaining breast. To learn more, see Mammograms After Breast Cancer Surgery.

How to plan for cancer survivorship?

Talk with your doctor about developing a survivorship care plan for you. This plan might include: 1 A suggested schedule for follow-up exams and tests 2 A schedule for other tests you might need in the future, such as early detection (screening) tests for other types of cancer, or tests to look for long-term health effects from your cancer or its treatment 3 A list of possible late- or long-term side effects from your treatment, including what to watch for and when you should contact your doctor 4 Diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle modification suggestions

Does breast cancer go away?

For some women with advanced breast cancer, the cancer may never go away completely. These women may continue to get treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or other treatments to help keep the breast cancer under control and to help relieve symptoms from it. Learning to live with breast cancer that doesn’t go away can have its own type ...

How long does breast cancer treatment last?

Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some might only last for a few days or weeks, but others might last a long time.

Can uterine cancer cause spotting?

Although this is usually caused by something that isn’t cancer, it can also be the first sign of uterine cancer.

Is it important to keep health insurance after cancer treatment?

Even after treatment, it’s very important to keep health insurance. Tests and doctor visits cost a lot, and even though no one wants to think of their cancer coming back , this could happen.

Stage 0

Stage 0 means that the cancer is limited to the inside of the milk duct and is non-invasive. Treatment for this non-invasive breast tumor is often different from the treatment of invasive breast cancer.

Stages I-III

Treatment for stages I to III breast cancer usually includes surgery and radiation therapy, often with chemo or other drug therapies either before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery.

Stage IV (metastatic breast cancer)

Stage IV cancers have spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body. Treatment for stage IV breast cancer is usually a systemic (drug) therapy.

Recurrent breast cancer

Cancer is called recurrent when it comes back after primary treatment. Recurrence can be local (in the same breast or in the surgery scar), regional (in nearby lymph nodes), or in a distant area. Treatment for recurrent breast cancer depends on where the cancer recurs and what treatments you’ve had before.

Can you get chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery?

For certain types of breast cancer, if there are tumor cells still found at the time of surgery (also called residual disease), you may be offered more chemotherapy after surgery to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back (recurrence).

How does chemo work for breast cancer?

Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer. Chemotherapy (chemo) uses anti-cancer drugs that may be given intravenously (injected into your vein) or by mouth. The drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells in most parts of the body. Occasionally, chemo may be given directly into the spinal fluid which surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Can chemo be given before surgery?

Chemotherapy can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant). In most cases, chemo is most effective when combinations of drugs are used. Today, doctors use many different combinations, and it's not clear that any single combination is clearly the best.

Can chemo be used for HER2?

For cancers that are HER2-positive, one or more drugs that target HER2 may be used with chemo. (See Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer for more information about these drugs.)

How long is chemo given?

Cycles are most often 2 or 3 weeks long. The schedule varies depending on the drugs used. For example, with some drugs, the chemo is given only on the first day of the cycle. With others, it is given for a few days in a row, or once a week.

Can chemo cause hair loss?

Chemo drugs can cause side effects. These depend on the type and dose of drugs given, and the length of treatment. Some of the most common possible side effects include: Hair loss.

Can chemotherapy cause side effects?

Chemo drugs can cause side effects . These depend on the type and dose of drugs given, and the length of treatment. Some of the most common possible side effects include:

What tests are done to check for breast cancer?

Depending on your signs and symptoms, follow-up tests may include: Blood tests (including tumor marker tests) Imaging tests (such as bone scans, CT scans, PET scans and chest X-rays) A tissue biopsy (to check if a suspicious finding is a recurrence of breast cancer) Other tests may also be done.

Do you need extra tests for breast cancer?

If you don’t have any symptoms that could be related to breast cancer recurrence, and if there are no concerning findings on your physical exam, you don’t need extra tests. There’s no role for lab tests, X-rays, CT scans, bone scans or PET scans if you’re not having any symptoms and there are no findings on your physical exam.

What age group is at risk for osteoporosis?

Women at higher risk of osteoporosis due to risk factors including: Aromatase inhibitor use. Early menopause due to treatment. Age 65 years or older. Age 60-64 years with family history of osteoporosis or with low body weight. Bone mineral density tests every 1-2 years, depending on a person’s risk factors.

What to do if you feel anxious?

If you feel anxious or depressed, tell your health care provider. They may refer you to a support group, counselor or other resources. They may also recommend medication to treat your anxiety or depression. Learn more about support groups and other types of support.

What are the risks of breast cancer?

It’s possible to get a second, different breast cancer. And having had breast cancer may put you at higher risk for other types of cancers, including cancers of the: 1 Salivary glands 2 Stomach 3 Esophagus 4 Ovaries 5 Uterus 6 Skin 7 Thyroid 8 Colon

How long does it take to get a mammogram after breast cancer treatment?

You’ll likely need a mammogram within 6 12 months after finishing your breast cancer treatment and at least annually after that. Routine chest X-rays and blood tests in women who have no symptoms of cancer aren’t always reliable.

What are the symptoms of a syringe?

Also pay attention to: 1 Bone pain, back pain, or tenderness that doesn't go away 2 Shortness of breath or chest pain 3 Persistent belly pain 4 Weight loss

How long does it take for breast cancer to come back?

Schedule regular appointments with them. Between medical visits, watch for any changes in your body. Most of the time, if cancer comes back, it's within 5 years of when it was first treated.

What are the changes in breasts?

Pay attention to any changes in your breast, including: Skin rashes, redness, or swelling. New lumps in your breast or chest. Also pay attention to: Bone pain, back pain, or tenderness that doesn't go away. Shortness of breath or chest pain. Persistent belly pain.

What are the causes of cancer?

Diabetes. High blood pressure. Heart disease. Weight gain or obesity. Make taking care of your emotional and physical well-being a priorit y in life . Don't compare your treatment plan and outcome with others. Everyone's cancer is a little different. Next Article. Breast Cancer Remission.

What are the causes of bone loss?

Bone density (certain cancer drugs and menopause can weaken your bones) Diabetes. High blood pressure. Heart disease. Weight gain or obesity. Make taking care of your emotional and physical well-being a priority in life. Don't compare your treatment plan and outcome with others. Everyone's cancer is a little different.

How do you know if you have breast cancer?

Breast cancer can come back in the breast or other areas of the body. Generally, a recurrence is found when a person has symptoms or an abnormal finding during a physical examination. Annual mammograms are also recommended after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The symptoms depend on where the cancer has recurred and may include: 1 A lump under the arm or along the chest wall 2 Pain that is constant, worsening, and not relieved by over-the-counter medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) 3 Bone, back, neck, or joint pain, fractures, or swelling, which are possible signs of bone metastases 4 Headaches, seizures, dizziness, confusion, personality changes, loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, or changes in vision, which are possible signs of brain metastases 5 Chronic coughing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing, which are possible symptoms of lung metastases 6 Abdominal pain, itchy skin or rash, or yellow skin and eyes from a condition called jaundice, which may be associated with liver metastases 7 Changes in energy levels, such as feeling ill or extremely tired 8 Having a low appetite and/or weight loss 9 Nausea or vomiting 10 Rash or skin changes on the breast or chest wall 11 Changes in the shape or size of the breast, or swelling in the breast or arm

Why do we need follow up care for breast cancer?

One goal of follow-up care is to check for a recurrence, which means that the cancer has come back. Treatment for early stage or locally advanced breast cancer is given to eradicate as many cancer cells in the body as possible. However, cancer recurs because small areas of cancer cells that don't respond to treatment may remain undetected in the body. Over time, these cells may increase in number until they show up on test results or cause signs or symptoms.

Does cancer end when it is treated?

Care for people diagnosed with cancer does not end when active treatment has finished. Your health care team will continue to check that the cancer has not come back, manage any side effects, and monitor your overall health. This is called follow-up care. Your follow-up care may include regular physical examinations, medical tests, or both.

What is follow up care?

This is called follow-up care. Your follow-up care may include regular physical examinations, medical tests, or both. Doctors want to keep track of your recovery in the months and years ahead. Follow-up care is also important for screening for other types of cancer. In some instances, patients may be able to visit a survivorship clinic ...

Why is follow up care important?

Doctors want to keep track of your recovery in the months and years ahead. Follow-up care is also important for screening for other types of cancer. In some instances, patients may be able to visit a survivorship clinic that specializes in the post-treatment needs of people diagnosed with breast cancer.

What is the goal of cancer rehabilitation?

The goal of rehabilitation is to help people regain control over many aspects of their lives and remain as independent and productive as possible. Learn more about cancer rehabilitation. Learn more about the importance of follow-up care.

Can cancer come back after treatment?

Over time, these cells may increase in number until they show up on test results or cause signs or symptoms. Many survivors feel worried or anxious that the cancer will come back after treatment. While it often does not, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the possibility of the cancer returning.