Mammograms and breast checks after surgery

After a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) or mastectomy, ask your doctor what breast imaging you will need in the future. They may arrange scans if you are still under their care.

You won't return to the national BreastScreen program for 5 years after your breast cancer, with your doctor's approval.

After a lumpectomy

A lumpectomy is a partial mastectomy, where the surgeon removes only part of the breast.

You need to have yearly mammograms and ultrasounds on both the affected and unaffected breasts.

After a mastectomy

Single mastectomy

If you have a single mastectomy, you should still have a regular mammogram on the unaffected breast. Other scans or procedures (such as MRI or ultrasound) will also continue on your unaffected breast.

Double mastectomy

You do not need mammograms following a double (or 'bilateral') mastectomy as all breast tissue is removed. Your doctor may want you to have an ultrasound of your chest wall and armpit ('axilla').

After breast reconstruction

You will not need mammograms on the reconstructed breast (using implants or your own tissue flap). All or almost all breast tissue is removed during mastectomy. 

Your doctor may want you to have an ultrasound to check for recurrence.

Continue self-examination every month

After you have surgery for breast cancer or DCIS, it is important to be aware of any changes to your breast, chest and surrounding areas. This may include:

• a lump in the breast or armpit
• redness or a rash on the skin or scar line
• a change in appearance, shape or skin of the reconstructed breast. 

You will need time to get used to the look and feel of your breast after surgery. It will also change over a period of months. Many lumps and bumps after surgery are scar or fat tissue but, if you are worried, reach out to someone in your team.

Go to Check your breasts to know what to look for.