The reality in the follow-up of breast cancer survivors: survey of Korean Breast Cancer Society.
OBJECTIVE
Follow-up after primary treatment for breast cancer is an important component of survivor care and various international guidelines exist for the surveillance. However, little is known about current actual practice patterns of physicians whether they adhere to or deviate from recommended guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine how physicians follow-up their patients after primary treatment for breast cancer in Korea.


METHODS
A questionnaire survey with 34 questions in 4 categories was e-mailed to the members of Korean Breast Cancer Society from November to December 2013. Respondents were asked how they use follow-up modalities after primary treatment of breast cancer and we compared the survey results with present guidelines.


RESULTS
Of the 129 respondents, 123 (95.3%) were breast surgeons. The most important consideration in follow-up was tumor stage. History taking, physical examinations, and mammography were conducted in similar frequency recommended by other guidelines while breast ultrasonography was performed more often. The advanced imaging studies such as CT, MRI, and bone scan, which had been recommended to be conducted only if necessary, were also examined more frequently. Regular screenings for secondary malignancy were performed in 38 respondents (29.5%). Five years later after primary treatment, almost the whole respondents (94.6%) themselves monitored their patients.


CONCLUSIONS
A majority of respondents have been performed more intensive follow-up modalities in comparison with present guidelines and less frequently screenings for secondary malignancy. For optimal follow-up of breast cancer survivors, tailored delivery system should be considered.
Department of Surgery, Breast-Thyroid Center, Ulsan City Hospital, Ulsan, Korea.
Ku Sang
KS
Kim
Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea.
Zisun
Z
Kim
Department of Psychology, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea.
Eun-Jung
EJ
Shim
Department of Advertising and Branding, Kaywon University of Art and Design, Uiwang, Korea.
Nam Hyoung
NH
Kim
Breast Cancer Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
So-Youn
SY
Jung
Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Jisun
J
Kim
Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Guiyun
G
Sohn
Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Jong Won
JW
Lee
Department of Surgery, Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
Jihyoung
J
Cho
Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea.
Jung Eun
JE
Lee
Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
Juhyung
J
Lee
Department of Surgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
Hyun Jo
HJ
Youn
Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Jihyoun
J
Lee
Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Min Hyuk
MH
Lee
Breast neoplasms; Guideline; Surveillance; Survivors