My first oncologist did them, he retired. My new one does not.

I’ve just reached my 5 year cancer free mark and saw my oncologist last week. He did do a breast exam. I don’t have to see him again for one year.

It's been 6 years for me. I go to a breast oncologist. I still see her once a year, a week or so after a mammogram on the remaining breast. She always does a breast exam, even checks the reconstructed breast.

I'm 4 yrs. out. My MO wants to see me in 6 mos., to see if continued weight loss (very intentional) has improved my lipid (cholesterol) panel and further reduced my a1c. She did a breast exam and will likely do one in March--then if all is well, go on an annual checkup schedule. (Annual mammos each June).

It's hard to self-advocate when you're upset, but sounds like you really needed to do that, for your own piece of mind. I think they should cover the bases, for goodness sake. I bet if you tell them you want that exam they'll be sure to do it, for fear of negligence if nothing else. Good luck! And you are worth it!!!

Thank you, all. I am definitely stating my feelings and may look into a change of doctors. he is my 3rd oncologist since moving to Florida - 1st one passed away, 2nd one was an interim while the 1st one battled his cancer, and now #3.

A breast exam costs NOTHING but time, is completely non-invasive and has no side effects whatsoever. The only conceivable reason to deny your request for a breast exam is that your MO is under pressure to see as many patients per day as possible and may even have a limit imposed for how much time he can spend with each patient--in which case, put your foot down and insist, or (sigh) try to find yet another MO. (Or he may not have much training or experience in doing them--in which case his NP or PA can do it or he should call in one who can)!

Or another possibillity is that for reimbursement he needs to document a diagnostic code (ICD-10) for every service rendered or substance administered during a visit...and he doesn't know how to find one for a breast exam. You'd be surprised how many doctors are lousy "coders." I maintain my husband's professional e-mail account and you'd be shocked at how many ICD coding courses are offered for both health professionals or those laypeople who want to become insurance coding paraprofessionals! The burden of electronic medical records (EMR) duties is a common cause cited by doctors who have "burnt out."

Crimson, I would ask why the Dr. doesn't do a breast exam. I sure ask my Dr. why she checks my stomach on the left side. She's looking for any obstructions. Told her that I had shingles there & don't poke so hard. My medication makes you constipated. I was OK with her answer. I've never had any oncologists do a breast exam.

Nine years out and my oncologist, whom I see once a year, does a breast exam...as well as my PCP and nurse practitioner annually.