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The chance that breast cancer will come back is greatest within 5 years, so you will need close follow-up during this time. People who are diagnosed with breast cancer also have a higher risk of developing cancer in the opposite breast as well as colon cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer.
Objective: To offer FPs a summary of evidence-based recommendations to guide their follow-up survivorship care of women treated for breast cancer.
The purpose of this guideline summary document is to serve as an informational tool for health professionals who are engaged in the follow-up care of breast cancer patients who have completed curative-intent treatment and are clinically disease-free.
All patients with breast cancer should have regular follow-up surveillance. The frequency of visits should be adjusted according to individual patient’s needs. All visits should include a medical history. For women who are taking tamoxifen, it is important to ask about vaginal bleeding.
Surveillance for recurrence involves only annual mammography, and screening for other cancers should be done according to population guidelines. Management of the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment addresses common issues of pain, fatigue, lymphedema, distress, and medication.
10 maj 2005 · In the 1998 guideline, it was recommended that all patients who have completed primary treatment for breast cancer should have regular follow-up surveillance consisting of medical history, physical examination and annual mammograms.
Follow-up care includes: surveillance for breast cancer recurrence or new cancer; monitoring and treating complications and/or side efects from treatment; and. providing patient support. Below are general recommendations for a patient’s follow-up with their family physician.
