Breast Care Leaflet: Advice on Discharge from Follow-up at Breast Clinic

Advice on Discharge from Follow-up at Breast Clinic: Since your diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer you have had no further disease detected. In this situation, you do not need routine check-ups in the breast clinic, but you will continue to have support from your GP and the Breast Team as necessary.

Leaflet Details

Patient Information

Introduction

Since your diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer you have had no further disease detected. In this situation, you do not need routine check-ups in the breast clinic, but you will continue to have support from your GP and the Breast Team as necessary.

Continuing Care

Your continuing care is based on the latest medical evidence provided by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence):

1. You have completed your hospital check-ups for the recommended time.
    
2. You need to remain 'Breast Aware' for your lifetime
    
3. You should continue taking any anti- hormone tablets e.g. Tamoxifen, Anastrozole, Letrozole etc. that we have prescribed, and you should have been advised for how long you need to take them. Your GP will supply these tablets.
    
4. Once you completed your yearly mammogram with us, you are advised to attend the National Breast Screening Programme and receive mammograms every three years through your local screening service. If you are aged 70 or over, you may not routinely be called, however, you can continue to have mammograms every 3 years by requesting an appointment. Please contact your local NHS breast Screening Unit or your GP to arrange this.
    
5. We will see you promptly in the Breast Clinic if you have any new or future problems which you think may be connected to breast cancer. (See 'What changes should I be reporting' under next heading). You should contact your GP, who may then refer you to the breast clinic.

What changes should I be reporting?

• A lump or swelling in your breast, in the skin after a mastectomy, above your collarbone or in the neck area, or under your arm
   
• Any skin changes including dimpling, puckering, redness or raised spots on your breast or mastectomy scar
   
• Nipple discharge
   
• If you develop lymphoedema (affected side arm swelling)
   
• Any new, on-going pain in any part of your body, especially in your back or hips, that does not improve with painkillers and which is often worse at night
   
• Pins and needles and/or a loss of sensation or weakness in your arms or legs
   
• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
   
• A constant feeling of nausea
   
• Discomfort or swelling under your ribs or across your upper abdomen
   
• A persistent dry cough or a feeling of breathlessness
   
• Severe headaches- usually worse in the morning

It is usual for people to be concerned about breast cancer returning. The first person to notice changes in the breast is usually you.

If you have a new breast problem please contact your GP. An appropriate appointment will then be arranged for you.

Do remember your support network is still in place for you. (Please see details at the end of this leaflet)

Useful information

Telephone numbers of Breast Care Nurses:
Ashford Hospital
01784 884411

To change mammogram appointment
Ashford Hospital
01784 884477 / 01784 884473

Prosthesis Fitting
Ashford Hospital
01784 884607 / 01784 884783

Lymphoedema Service
Faithe Cockroft
01784 884607 / 01784 884783

The Jarvis Breast Screening Unit
Stoughton Road, Guildford, Surrey
Tel: 03332002062

Support Groups

ABC (Ashford Breast Cancer) Support Group:

• June Edwards 07903595622
• Helen Oldham 07899092150

Website: www.abcsupportgroup.org

Facebook: ashford breast cancer support group

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Breast Cancer Care Free Helpline: 0808 800 6000

www.breastcancercare.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support

Free helpline: 0808 808 0000

www.macmillan.org.uk