Routine follow-up after treatment for a gynecological cancer: a survey of practice.
The objective of this study was to determine current practice with regards to follow-up after gynecological malignancy. A questionnaire survey of all lead clinicians in gynecological cancer centers in England was done. The most common duration of routine follow-up was 5 years for all of the main gynecological cancers (ovarian, endometrial, vulval, and cervical). The most common follow-up patterns were three monthly for 2 years then six monthly for 3 years after ovarian cancer; three monthly for the first year, four monthly for the second year, six monthly for the third year then annually for 1 year after endometrial cancer; three monthly for the first year, four monthly for the second year, six monthly for the third and fourth years, then annually for 1 year after vulval cancer; three monthly for the first year, four monthly for the second year, six monthly for the third and fourth years, then annually for 1 year after cervical cancer. The test for CA125 was routinely performed by 67% of cancer networks to detect recurrence after ovarian cancer. Routine follow-up after gynecological cancer continues to be standard practice, despite limited evidence to support its use. Prospective research is needed to determine best practice.
Kew
F M
FM
Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sherriff Hill, Gateshead, United Kingdom NE9 6SX. fiona.kew@ghnt.nhs.uk
Cruickshank
D J
DJ
D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom