Breast Cancer Survivorship Tool: Facilitating breast cancer survivorship care for family physicians and patients

Can Fam Physician. 2020 May;66(5):321-326.

Abstract

Objective: To create an evidence-based national Breast Cancer Survivorship (BCS) Tool that facilitates appropriate care of breast cancer patients by primary care providers after patients have completed adjuvant therapy.

Sources of information: MEDLINE and PubMed were searched from 2002 to 2018 with the key words breast cancer, survivorship, survivorship care plan, guideline, review, meta-analysis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, treatment complications, adverse effects, late effects, screening, health promotion, and follow up care. National or provincial cancer care organization guidelines were also reviewed. Evidence was graded as level I, II, or III.

Main message: The BCS Tool provides an evidence-based template to ensure seamless transitions of care from cancer centres to primary care. Four steps of survivorship care are outlined in this article: care knowledge and coordination, cancer surveillance, management of long-term side effects of treatment, and health promotion.

Conclusion: The BCS Tool will support primary care providers in ensuring breast cancer survivors receive high-quality, evidence-based care.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aftercare
  • Breast Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Physicians, Family
  • Primary Health Care
  • Survivorship*