[Follow-up examination and survival after treatment of primary breast cancer].
Frequent laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging examinations after primary treatment of breast cancer do not improve survival or influence the quality of life. The economic impact should be also taken into consideration. Intensive follow-up should not be recommended as a routine policy based on evidence-based medicine. However, patients usually want to be seen frequently by a physician and undergo diagnostic tests even though free of symptoms. This dilemma for oncologists has not been resolved.
Fukutomi
Takashi
T
Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan.
D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic