Hello,
I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer on my left side in 2020 - had mastectomy. Just got recalled after annual mammogram on the right side because there are suspicious/new calcifications which could be DCIS. I’m a bit downcast because a) I thought the annual risk of contralateral bc was fairly low and b) (if there is DCIS and it’s ER-positive) does this suggest that the tamoxifen I’ve been taking for the original diagnosis isn’t working for me?
Hello, I had ILC and mastectomy in 2023. I think we all worry about recurrence or a new cancer in the good boob. I was told that we are 20% more likely than average to get it in the other breast and as 1 in 7 women get BC that puts the chance somewhere around a 35% chance ( I think that’s how it works but I am no mathematician). I also don’t know if that % goes down over time. The drugs ( like Tamoxifen) only offer a small percentage benefit so that would reduce chances a bit. From the medics point of view, when treating thousands, they are saving lives. Mostly that is down to the mastectomy and they can get a few more over the line with radio, chemo and drugs. We just have to hope we are the right side of the line.
Now, if you have it in the right boob you are in that unlucky percentage but your prognosis for treatment may be very good. Hopefully the extra monitoring during this period means it is caught early and, although the thought of treatment again is awful, you know what you are in for and you know you can do it!
I wish you the very best x
Hello Bellis_Coldwine,
Thanks for posting.
Its understandable you are feeling a bit downcast as you have an area of suspicion, and calcifications in your contralateral breast.
Hormone therapy like tamoxifen aims to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence but also the risk of a new cancer developing. As @laneycass says these additional (adjuvant) therapies often have a small percentage benefit and when added together are effective for many people.
If you do have ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), it doesn’t mean the tamoxifen hasn’t been of any benefit but it’s likely your treatment team will discuss switching you to one of the aromatase inhibitors (AI). We’re not sure how old you are but if you are premenopausal, it’s still possible to have an AI, and you can discuss this with your treatment team
As well as our forums and helpline we have a range of other services you might be interested in.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
We are closed on English bank holidays.
We will be closed for training on Monday 11th May 2026.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
We’re continually evaluating this service. If you want to provide feedback, please click the link to complete the survey . It should take approximately 10 minutes.
Best wishes,
Jane
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.