For most people, the side effects of treatment begin to ease within a few weeks of treatment ending.
Mammograms after breast cancer treatment
After being treated for breast cancer, most people will need to have mammograms at the hospital once a year, as part of their routine follow-up. How long you should have annual mammograms should be discussed with your treatment team.
Generally, 5 years after the end of treatment, you will have a breast specialist review. After this review, you may be eligible to return to the 2-yearly, routine screening programme provided by BreastScreen Aotearoa. If you still need yearly mammograms, your GP will provide a referral.
Report changes, aches or pains in your breasts, chest or other parts of your body
As your follow-up becomes less frequent it is important to let your GP know if you notice any new changes in your breasts or chest or have any unusual aches, pains or other unusual symptoms anywhere else in your body.
Be Breast Aware – know how your breasts normally look and feel, and discuss any changes with your doctor.
BreastScreen Aotearoa
New Zealand has a free breast screening programme available to all women aged 45 to 69.
Phone 0800 270 200
Breast prosthesis
If you do not have breast reconstruction you can get a soft, light-weight breast form to wear inside your bra. You can wear this straight after surgery until your wound heals and you can be fitted for a breast prosthesis.
A breast prosthesis replaces the shape of all or part of your breast that has been removed by surgery.
Most breast prostheses are made of a soft silicone gel covered by a thin film and are designed to fit inside your bra.
When your wound is fully healed and any swelling has gone down (usually within six to eight weeks after surgery), you may choose to be fitted for a permanent prosthesis.
Prosthesis fitting services are available across New Zealand. You can speak with your treatment team or local Cancer Society for details.
Types of prosthesis
Prostheses come in a variety of shapes, sizes and skin tones. You should be able to find a prosthesis to suit you.
Silicone prostheses come in full weight which is about the same as a natural breast. Or a lightweight, which is lighter than a natural breast.
It is important to discuss the best option for you with your fitter.
Types of prosthesis include:
Partial prosthesis
For women who have only had part of the breast removed. It will fill out the breast outline.
Shell prosthesis
A soft shell of silicone that fits over the breast to help match the size and contour of the opposite breast.
Swim prosthesis
Women may be advised to wear a swim prosthesis so that their silicone prosthesis is not damaged by chlorine or saltwater and sand.
Nipple prosthesis
These can be stuck onto a breast prosthesis or a breast reconstruction. Care recommendations come with each prosthesis.
Your prosthesis will have a warranty. The length of the warranty will be on the warranty card.
Breast prosthesis subsidy
The Ministry of Health provides an entitlement known as the Breast Prosthesis subsidy. This grants you funds every four years.
To claim the entitlement ask your treatment team for a medical certificate, which you then take to a breast prosthesis supplier who will process the claim for you.
The payment can be used to purchase:
- a breast prosthesis, including swim form, foam filler, shell prosthesis and lumpectomy shells
- special bras to hold the prosthesis
- surgical bras
- normal bras (including modification of a bra or alternative undergarment to hold a breast prosthesis)
- modified swimwear to hold a swim form
- prosthetic nipples
Breast prostheses vary in price. The same prosthesis purchased from different suppliers can vary considerably in cost.
Fitting a prosthesis
When going for your first fitting, remember to take your medical certificate along. You may wish to take a friend or relative along.
When being fitted for your prosthesis you need to:
- either take a well-fitting bra or be fitted for a suitable bra at the same time
- wear a plain, light, fitted top so you can see how it looks
- lean forwards towards the mirror to ensure there is no significant gap between the prosthesis and your chest wall
When purchasing a prosthesis you should expect from your trained fitter:
- privacy
- to be able to see yourself in a mirror so you can check how the prosthesis looks in your bra and clothing
- a selection of products to choose from
- enough time to make the right choice
- sensitivity to your needs and concerns
- a prosthesis that feels comfortable and gives you a good shape.
A suitable bra
There are many styles of bras suitable to wear with a prosthesis.
A prosthesis bra or mastectomy bra has a pocket that the prosthesis can be slipped into.
To have a prosthesis pocket, the bra needs:
- good, supportive straps
- full cups that cover the breast and/or prothesis
- firm and/or elasticated edge of the cups
- good separation between the cups
- at least two hooks to fasten at the back, more in larger sizes
- good depth under the underarm
- at least 1cm of the band underneath the cups
If you already have a bra that fits well and has all these features, you may not need to buy a new one.
Your prosthesis fitter can check your bra and give you guidance. You may also wish to talk about sewing a pocket into your bra with the fitter.
If your bra is not suitable, you will find it helpful to be properly measured and fitted before buying a new one.
It's common for people to feel excited and anxious when treatment finishes.
We are here to help and support you and your whānau through cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery…
Keeping active before, during and after cancer treatment is important for your health and wellbeing.
We know that going through cancer is tough and can raise many questions. You are not alone.
We have health professionals to answer your questions and provide the support you need.
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