Follow-up after curative treatment for breast cancer: why do we still adhere to frequent outpatient clinic visits?

Eur J Cancer. 2007 Mar;43(4):647-53. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2006.12.002. Epub 2007 Jan 23.

Abstract

Follow-up after curative treatment for breast cancer consists of frequent outpatient clinic visits, scheduled at regular intervals. Its aim is primarily to detect local disease recurrence, or a second primary breast cancer, but also to provide information and psychosocial support. The cost-effectiveness of these frequent visits is being questioned however, leading to a search for less intensive follow-up strategies, such as follow-up by the general practitioner, patient-initiated or nurse-led follow-up or contact by telephone. These strategies are generally considered to be safe, but they are not yet widely accepted in clinical practice. Since brief interventions based on self-education and information have been shown to be able to improve quality of life, we hypothesise that these interventions may lead to a better acceptance of reduced follow-up by both patients and professionals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care / economics
  • Ambulatory Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Breast Neoplasms / economics
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Family Practice
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / economics
  • Nursing Care
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Quality of Life
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Reminder Systems
  • Social Support
  • Telephone
  • Workload