Follow-up for breast cancer in men

After treatment, you will have regular check-ups with your doctor or contact with your breast care nurse. At first, your check-ups may be every few months. But eventually you may have them once a year.

If you notice any new symptoms between appointments, it is important to contact your doctor or nurse for advice. They will give you contact numbers, so you do not have to wait until your next appointment.

Instead of routine appointments, your breast care nurse may give you information on what to look out for. They will ask you to contact them or your cancer specialist if there is anything you are worried about.

Some men may have their follow-up appointments at a nurse-led clinic. They only see their cancer specialist if something needs to be checked further.

Many people find they get anxious for a while once treatment ends. This is natural. It can help to get support from family, friends or a helpful organisation. 
Macmillan is also here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can:

• Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00. 
• Chat to our specialists online. 
• Visit our Online Community to talk to people who have been affected by cancer, share your experience, and ask an expert your questions. 

Lymphoedema is a swelling of the arm or hand. It sometimes happens after surgery or radiotherapy to the lymph nodes in the armpit. It usually develops slowly, months or years after treatment.

Lymphoedema is more likely to happen if all, or many, of your lymph nodes were removed. Having radiotherapy to the armpit as well as surgery increases the risk.

If just one or two of the lymph nodes were removed (a sentinel lymph node biopsy), the risk of lymphoedema is low. If you are not sure about what type of lymph node surgery you had, your breast care nurse can tell you.

If you notice any swelling in your arm, hand or chest, always ask your doctor or nurse to check it. The earlier lymphoedema is diagnosed, the easier it is to manage and treat successfully.