Guidelines released for breast cancer survivors

For the first time, new guidelines released Monday directly address life after breast cancer.

It’s a conjunction between the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Cancer Society, according to Arlene Schneider of the American Cancer Society.

“The cancer society is very much aware that cancer survivors have needs and we do have an interest in cancer survivorship and quality of life.” Says Schneider.

The recommendation is for most survivors to receive annual mammograms. The x-ray photos can detect early signs of breast cancer or an actual lump or mass.

Schneider, a senior market manager at the American Cancer Society, says some survivors may not be inclined to have annual screenings after treatment but staying vigilant is so important.

“It’s just being hyper-vigilant because once you have had cancer, it does put you at an increased risk for other cancers.” She explains.

What the guidelines do not recommend is getting an annual MRI, unless a patient already has a high risk of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, one factor is family history.

Health experts say most breast cancer survivors are still at average risk and should follow the same testing schedule for their age and gender.

ABC News Senior Medical Contributor Dr. Jennifer Ashton says she’s on board with the new guidelines.

“I think we have to remember most breast cancer research we always here at ABC, they focus on survival, or death of mortality…because that’s the most important thing but we’ve gotten so much better at treating breast cancer that know we need to focus on the quality of life.” Explains Dr. Ashton.

For more information on the American Cancer Society, click here.

For more on the American Society of Clinical Oncology, click here.