Had mastectomy in July last for IDC.All nodes and ER/PR negative.Do I need bone scan every year?

Hi - My opinion would be no, you don't need a bone scan done every year. I'd think you'd only need a bone scan if you were undergoing significant, lasting pain in the bones most likely to develop cancer. Why subject yourself to more X-rays than you need? They're minimally dangerous, so unless it's critical to have one - don't! Good luck -PJH

are you talking Bone Scan or Dexa Scan?

a Bone Scan is used to determine if the cancer has perhaps spread to the bones, either when you were first diagnosed or if your cancer returned.  it is a nuclear scanning test that uses radioactive tracers that are injected through an IV.  These are done as prescribed or needed.

a DEXA Scan is used to measure bone density.  If you are at risk of Osteoporosis, have been through chemo & had Neulasta injections, are post-menopausal or had hormone receptor positive cancer, this diagnostic scan is extremely important to tract density changes in your bones.  These are prescribed yearly by your oncologist.

Personally I would recommend finding out which test is being prescribed and talk with your doctor to find out why he is prescribing it.  if he's asking you to do it yearly, surely there must be a logical reason.

Angi