None of these tests have been shown to improve survival, and all of them can be misleading. The tests often miss recurrent cancer or indicate possible cancer when it is not present. At best, these tests might find a recurrent cancer a few weeks or months earlier. The chance of being cured or controlling the cancer is the same whether the cancer is detected by women themselves or by a test. If the cancer returns, it can often be successfully controlled for some time.
Breast cancer does cause symptoms if it returns.
The most common sites are the spine and hips. Cough or difficulty in breathing Weight loss and lack of appetite Headaches or problems with balance New lumps, bumps or redness on the chest wall on the side of the original breast cancer Report anything that is unusual or doesn't go away. Many times these symptoms are not due to breast cancer but other health problems. If it is breast cancer, the physician can discuss prognosis and treatment options.