Follow-Up Care After Breast Cancer Disease

Background Follow-up examinations after breast cancer involve the early detection of locoregional recurrences. Therapy-associated complications should be discerned and treated and adherence to therapeutic strategies should be endorsed. Objective Which constitutes of follow-up examinations are crucial? Method Evaluation of the primary literature as well as expert opinions and guidelines. Results The timeframe of follow-up after breast cancer comprises 10 years. Expert consensuses suggest an algorithm for clinicoradiological examinations. Short- and long-term complications due to oncologic therapies should be discerned and adequate treatment should be induced. Adherence to endocrine treatment strategies should be queried actively, as side effects of these therapies can be attenuated by conventional and complementary medical approaches. Consultations regarding lifestyle interventions (physical activity, normal weight, avoiding noxae) might improve quality of life and lower the individual risk of breast cancer recurrence. An interdisciplinary cooperation including associated medical disciplines, physiatrists, or psycho-oncologists should be initiated whenever demanded. Patients should be supported in obtaining a second oncological opinion. Laboratory or radiological scans on a routine basis during follow-up are not recommended in asymptomatic breast cancer patients. Conclusion Recent recommendations upon follow-up examinations after breast cancer are pragmatic and symptom-oriented. Breast cancer patients should be supported in management of therapy-related complications and side effects, in coping of emotional and psychosocial burdens, and the realization of beneficial lifestyle modifications.