Follow-up of breast cancer
Patients who have had breast cancer are in follow-up for 1–10 years, depending on the risk of cancer recurrence. A team of breast cancer specialists regularly updates the follow-up program in accordance with new research, so your follow-up plan may change over time.
What examinations are included in breast cancer follow-up?
Your follow-up appointments are scheduled based on the month of your surgery.
Mammography is the primary imaging method used in breast cancer follow-up. Depending on your follow-up plan, you will be invited for mammography either once a year or every two years.
A breast ultrasound is performed only when necessary—typically if a radiologist considers it necessary due to dense breast tissue. In such cases, a separate appointment will be scheduled.
For patients under 45 years of age, an ultrasound is automatically performed alongside mammography. Patients in follow-up at the Comprehensive Cancer Center do not need to participate in population-based breast cancer screening.
If both of your breasts have been removed, your follow-up will not include imaging examinations.
How are breast cancer follow-up visits conducted?
Follow-up appointments are conducted by a breast cancer nurse. You will be offered the opportunity to meet with the breast cancer nurse during odd-numbered follow-up years. These appointments are usually held remotely, either by phone or video via the Maisa service. In-person appointments are also available upon request.
Please note that both remote and in-person appointments are subject to a fee.
How is rehabilitation provided during the breast cancer follow-up phase?
During the follow-up phase, rehabilitation services, such as psychological support or physiotherapy, are mainly provided through primary health care services or occupational health care.
New symptoms during follow-up
After cancer treatment, it is common for new bodily sensations to cause concern about cancer recurrence. The main purpose of follow-up is to support and guide you if you experience symptoms.
The symptoms listed below may indicate a recurrence of cancer. If you notice any of them, please contact the Comprehensive Cancer Center—or your local health center if your care has been transferred to primary health care. If you experience sudden or severe symptoms, seek medical attention at an emergency department.
- A lump in the breast, armpit, near the collarbone, or neck
- A sore, rash, or redness on the surgical scar or on the skin of the chest
- Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- Persistent pain in the central part of the body, for example in the back, hips, thighs, pelvis, ribs, shoulders, or upper arms
- A persistent (more than 1 to 2 months) cough and/or shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain, significant weight loss, nausea, or a general decline in your overall condition
- A headache that is different from usual, especially if associated with nausea, visual disturbances, or other neurological symptoms
Contacting the Comprehensive Cancer Center
In matters related to your breast cancer follow-up, you can contact the Comprehensive Cancer Center's contact center or by sending us a message via Maisa. In other matters, please contact primary healthcare.
- You can only send a message via Maisa if you have a past or upcoming appointment within six months. Please call us if you cannot send a message via Maisa.
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center’s contact center, tel. 09 471 74 900, is open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Prescriptions are generally valid for two years. Please contact us well in advance when you need to renew your prescription for adjuvant therapy.
Updated: 13.10.2026