Questions to ask your doctor about risk of recurrence

After initial treatment for breast cancer, you may worry about the cancer coming back. It is important for you to ask your doctor any questions you may have about the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Asking questions and learning all you can about the risk of recurrence can help you to make decisions about your treatment.

Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor about the risk of breast cancer recurrence:

• What are the chances of my cancer coming back based on my cancer stage?
• Can my cancer recur even if I've had a mastectomy or a lumpectomy?
• Can my cancer recur even if I've already had radiation therapy? Chemotherapy?
• Are there any medications I can take to reduce my risk of breast cancer recurring?
• How often should I schedule appointments with you and for what type of tests?
• It's been five years since my initial diagnosis — can my cancer still recur?