Follow up after treatment for DCIS

If you had a mastectomy, you’ll be seen at clinic to have the wound checked and your new prosthesis fitted. Women who had radiotherapy or are taking hormonal therapy may be seen by a cancer specialist to monitor any side effects.

Your check-ups will usually be once a year but this can vary with different hospitals. Sometimes instead of routine appointments, women are asked to contact their specialist or breast care nurse if there’s anything they’re worried about. You’ll be shown what to look out for first.

You’ll have yearly mammograms, which will include your unaffected breast, for at least 10 years. So, even if you had a mastectomy you’ll still need a yearly mammogram.

It’s also still a good idea to be aware of what’s now normal for you. Your treated breast will feel and look different depending on the treatments you’ve had. Your breast care nurse can tell you what you to expect and explain what to look out for.

Your appointments are a good opportunity to talk to your specialist or breast nurse about any concerns. If you notice any changes in either of your breasts between appointments, contact your specialist or breast care nurse for advice.

If DCIS comes back Back to top

After treatment the risk of DCIS coming back or getting an invasive cancer is low. If any new problems develop, they’ll usually be picked up very early.

If DCIS comes back or an invasive cancer develops in the same breast, a mastectomy is usually advised. If you haven’t had radiotherapy it might be possible to remove the area with surgery and then have radiotherapy. The results of treatment for DCIS that comes back or for an invasive cancer that develops are very successful.