Principles of follow-up assessments in patients with breast cancer after radical treatment

Pol Przegl Chir. 2017 Jun 30;89(3):36-39.

Abstract

A follow-up assessment plan after radical treatment is a part of a comprehensive approach to treating patients with breast cancer. Because breast cancer is the most frequent cancer both worldwide and in Poland, adequate follow-up is important not only for patients but also for economic reasons. Herein, we review current recommendations for follow-up assessments in patients with breast cancer. The main aim of such assessment is detection of early recurrence or tumor presence in the other breast, observation of long-term treatment complications, and creation of multidisciplinary infrastructure that will allow to reduce the risk of recurrence and alleviate physical, mental, and social consequences of treatment.

Keywords: breast cancer; recommendations; treatment follow-up.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Continuity of Patient Care / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy, Radical
  • Poland
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Assessment