Rehabilitation and breast cancer aftercare

You have survived breast cancer treatment - an important milestone. But now comes a new challenge: the fear of a relapse. This worry is normal and justified, which is why we continue to stand by your side.

In the certified breast centre at the English Garden At the end of your treatment, we will inform you in detail about possible rehabilitation measures and the recommended aftercare programme for the following years. Regular examinations - both with your gynaecologist and with our experts at the breast centre - give you structure and the certainty that new changes can be detected at an early stage.

Why our aftercare gives you peace of mind:

• Structured aftercare programme according to DMP guidelines - You will be looked after according to proven quality standards
• Fixed contact persons in case management - Continuity and personal support
• Interdisciplinary support - All departments work hand in hand
• Close monitoring in the first few years - every 3 months, when the risk is highest
• Holistic approach - not only medical examinations, but also psycho-oncological support and rehabilitation support

Breast cancer aftercare is more than the sum of individual examinations. It gives you structure, recognises changes at an early stage and helps you to regain confidence in your body. Many patients find the regular follow-up appointments as reassuring, because they know that if something changes, it will be recognised in good time.

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Rehabilitation after breast cancer treatment: your way back to everyday life

The therapy is complete. Your body has done a tremendous job - but now you realise that nothing is the same as before. Your arm swells, you are constantly exhausted, even going to the supermarket is exhausting. Perhaps you are afraid that you will never be able to work again. Or you wonder whether you will ever be able to lift your children again. We won't leave you alone with these worries and will provide you with reliable support as you return to life.

As a cancer patient, you have legally guaranteed Entitlements to rehabilitation services, which should make it easier for you to cope with the consequences of the illness and treatment and to get back into everyday life.

What rehabilitation includes:

• Movement therapy to restore performance
• Treatment of lymphoedema by specialised therapists
• Psycho-oncological support for processing the disease
• Nutritional counselling for a healthy lifestyle
• Social law counselling on questions relating to work and everyday life
• Support with professional reintegration 
• Issue of a severely disabled person's pass, if applicable

Rehabilitation takes place usually stationary and usually takes place after the initial treatment. If necessary, it can also be repeated in the further course of aftercare. You have the opportunity to select a suitable rehabilitation clinic together with us. Our social services will also support you with the application and initiation of the rehabilitation programme.

Structured aftercare following breast cancer treatment:
Regular examinations for your safety

Our structured aftercare programme follows on directly from your breast cancer treatment. You will receive the following from the doctor who carried out your primary treatment (Surgeon or chemotherapist) a follow-up calendar, which serves to document all follow-up examinations. 

Follow-up examinations are scheduled both with your own gynaecologist and with the experts at our Breast Centre.

Physical examination in breast cancer aftercare

At each follow-up examination by your gynaecologist, he or she will carry out a physical examination, paying particular attention to symptoms that could indicate a recurrence of the tumour.

What is being analysed:

• Both sides of the breast or the chest wall after mastectomy
• Scars on changes
• Lymph nodes in the armpit and collarbone region
• Your general state of health

In addition to the physical examination, you will also talk about your general state of health, your physical performance, any abnormalities, complaints and physical changes.

Imaging procedures: Mammography and ultrasound

Mammography and ultrasound are key examinations in aftercare. These are carried out at regular intervals by the radiologists at our breast centre. How often they are carried out depends on your individual risk. Detailed information on frequency can be found in our FAQ at the bottom of this page.

Detecting metastases early - why follow-up care saves lives

A key aim of regular follow-up care is to detect metastases at an early stage. Metastases occur when cancer cells spread from the original tumour to other organs. In the case of breast cancer, bones, lungs, liver or brain can be affected.

You should always take these symptoms seriously:

• Persistent bone pain with no recognisable cause
• Breathing problems or persistent cough
• Unusual exhaustion that doesn't get better
• Neurological abnormalities such as severe headaches or dizziness

Important: Contact your doctor immediately in the event of such complaints, even between regular follow-up appointments.

Close monitoring during breast cancer aftercare: How often do aftercare examinations take place?

The frequency depends on your individual risk profile and the time after the initial treatment:

• Year 1-3: Quarterly examinations (every 3 months)
• Year 4-5: Semi-annual examinations (every 6 months)
• From year 6: Annual examinations

These intervals can be adjusted if necessary if complaints or anxiety arise. Do not hesitate to contact us between the regular appointments.

Documents that breast cancer patients bring with them for aftercare

• Tumour aftercare calendar
• Insurance card or proof of private insurance
• Referral slip (if available)
• If necessary, images on CD (mammography, ultrasound, MRI, CT) - if these were taken by an external radiology centre
• Current medication list with dosage

Healthy lifestyle to support recovery

After the end of breast cancer treatment, you can actively contribute to your health. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of recurrence and improve your overall quality of life.

These factors support your recovery:

• Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
• Balanced diet: Lots of vegetables, fruit and wholemeal products
• Stress reduction: Mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques
• Social contacts: Exchange with other affected people or maintaining friendships
• Maintain normal weight: Being overweight increases the risk of recurrence

As part of our aftercare, we will advise you on suitable contact points for exercise therapy and nutritional counselling and refer you to other helpful offers.

Frequently asked questions

When are you considered cured after breast cancer?

From a medical point of view, a patient is considered cured if no relapse occurs over a longer period of time after the end of treatment. The risk of recurrence is highest in the first five years and decreases thereafter. Many patients are considered cured after five to ten years without a relapse - depending on the type of tumour and risk factors.

Is blood taken during breast cancer follow-up care?

Routine blood tests (e.g. tumour markers) are not recommended in guideline-based follow-up care, as they do not provide any demonstrable benefit for the early detection of recurrences. Blood tests are only carried out for

• Concrete complaints or symptoms
• Monitoring of long-term therapy (e.g. liver values under anti-hormone therapy)
• Suspicion of metastases

How often is mammography performed after breast cancer?

Mammography is usually carried out once a year, often in the first year after the operation to check the breast after surgery. If there is an increased risk or the findings are unclear, mammography may also be necessary more frequently.

How often is ultrasound used in breast cancer aftercare?

Breast ultrasound complements mammography and is used depending on the individual risk and condition. In the case of dense breast tissue or to clarify abnormal findings, ultrasound is also performed. The frequency is determined on an individual basis.

When do most recurrences occur after breast cancer?

The risk of relapse in the first few 2 to 5 years is highest after treatment. Approximately 80% of all recurrences occur within the first 5 years on.

Important to know:

• In the case of hormone receptor-positive tumours, recurrences can also occur after 5-10 years
• In triple-negative breast cancer, the risk is particularly high in the first 3 years
• After 10 years without a relapse, the risk decreases significantly

This is why close monitoring is so important in the first few years.

How quickly can a recurrence develop?

A recurrence can theoretically occur at any time, but:

• Early recurrences (within 2 years) are more frequent in aggressive tumour forms
• Late recurrences (after 5-10 years) occur mainly in hormone receptor-positive tumours
• Most recurrences occur within the first 3-5 years discovered

Close follow-up care serves to recognise recurrences as early as possible if they are still easily treatable.

Which breast cancer is most likely to recur?

The risk of recurrence depends on various factors:

Higher risk of relapse with:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (lack of hormone and HER2 receptors) - especially in the first 3 years
• HER2-positive breast cancer without antibody therapy
• Large tumours (over 2 cm)
• Infestation of several lymph nodes
• Unfavourable tumour characteristics (high grading value)

Lower risk of relapse with:

• Hormone receptor-positive tumours with anti-hormone therapy
• Small tumours without lymph node involvement
• Early stages (stage I)

When do metastases frequently occur after breast cancer?

Metastases (distant metastases) can occur at any time, but:

• The risk is highest in the first 2-5 years
• Approximately 90% of metastases are detected within the first 10 years
• Late metastases (after 10+ years) are rare, but possible

Is a bone scintigram always performed for breast cancer?

No, a bone scintigram is not routinely performed. This examination is mainly used if symptoms indicate bone metastases (e.g. persistent bone pain) or if the risk profile requires a more detailed examination.

What is done in the DMP breast cancer programme?

The Disease Management Programme (DMP) for breast cancer is a structured treatment programme run by the health insurance companies. It includes regular follow-up examinations, documentation of the course of the disease, coordination between treating doctors and training for patients.

Event information

„Running conversations - talk and move“ - running group of the FSH women's cancer self-help group in Munich

Every 1st Monday of the month, 15:00, meeting point: entrance sign of the Dr Geisenhofer Women's Clinic (Hirschauer Str. 6, 80538 Munich)
Every 3rd Monday of the month, 16:00, meeting point: car park at the Luitpoldhalle (Luitpoldanlage 1, 85356 Freising)
Contact: Claudia Klein, Tel.: 0178 - 8051984, E-Mail
Further information can be found here.

Free online cosmetics seminars from DKMS LIFE

Feeling good promotes the healing process. For this reason, DKMS LIFE offers the „look good feel better“ patient programme for cancer patients undergoing treatment: Professional, trained cosmetics experts will show you step by step how to conceal the external consequences of cancer therapy. In the two-hour hands-on programme, you will learn various techniques for hair, eyelash and eyebrow loss, among other things. If required, DKMS LIFE will send you all the cosmetic products you need in advance free of charge.
Registration under this link.

Studies

New study by the Charité in Berlin

Effects of two different yoga interventions on quality of life in patients with breast cancer. The study investigated Effects of yoga and relaxation exercises on stress perception and quality of lifet in patients with breast cancer.

Further information and participation criteria can be found here.

Invitation to participate in the study

We would like to draw your attention to the current WAVES study of the Bavarian Centre for Cancer Research (BZKF). WAVES stands for „Mutual patient-doctor exchange in breast cancer care with the aim of jointly developing new patient-orientated structures“. All patients over the age of 18 who have breast cancer can take part.

You can find more information on the online registration form.

BZKF study register

In the publicly accessible Database of the Bavarian Centre for Cancer Research (BZKF) you will find a constantly updated overview of clinical oncological studies.

Place your trust in our expertise at the Munich Breast Centre

Aftercare accompanies you for many years. It is more than the sum of individual examinations - it gives you structure, security and the opportunity to ask questions. Many patients find the follow-up appointments reassuring because they know that if anything changes, it will be recognised in good time.

At the same time, the end of intensive treatment is also a new beginning. You will gradually return to your everyday life, regain your ability to perform and organise your life according to your wishes. Aftercare will support you on this path - with professional expertise and a human touch.

Do you have questions about aftercare and rehabilitation for breast cancer? Our team at the certified breast centre is here to support you - from the initial diagnosis to treatment and long-term aftercare.

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