title: [Para-clinical tests and follow-up of breast cancer: how do Quebec oncologists use them?].
abstract: To assess the use of complementary tests by oncologists during staging and follow-up of breast cancer patients, a study was performed comparing actual procedures with current literature recommendations. A survey concerning the use of biochemical, radiological and radionuclide tests was presented to a sample of 58 radiation oncologists and medical oncologists involved in the treatment of breast cancer patients, with a 71% response rate. During the post-treatment surveillance, respectively 3%, 24%, 37%, 76% and 96% of the physicians scheduled liver scans, liver ultrasounds, bone scans, chest roentgenograms or mammograms on a regular basis. The frequency of use of various procedures are reported with a reference to the cost-benefit ratio, a matter of current interest. Although most oncologists limit their use of diagnostic tests, some still rely on extensive work-up to detect early recurrences or metastases, an approach that remains controversial in today's literature.
authors.affiliation: Faculté de médecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Département de médecine nucléaire et radiobiologie.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bénard
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bujold
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nabid
mesh_terms: D000359:Aftercare / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011792:Quebec
vernacular_title: Examens para-cliniques et suivi du cancer du sein: quel usage les oncologues du Québec en font-ils?