Feasibility of tailored follow-up for patients with early breast cancer

Abstract As the number of breast cancer survivors increases, this study prospectively examined whether tailored follow-up with differentiated number of visits per risk group, based on a prognostic index for local recurrence, is feasible and acceptable for patients and professionals. Between March 20...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Breast (Edinburgh) 2014-12, Vol.23 (6), p.852-858
Main Authors: van Hezewijk, Marjan, Smit, Dennis J.F, Bastiaannet, Esther, Scholten, Astrid N, Ranke, Gemma M.C, Kroep, Judith R, Marijnen, Corrie A.M, van de Velde, Cornelis J.H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Breast cancer
Breast Neoplasms - pathology
Breast Neoplasms - therapy
Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast - pathology
Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast - therapy
Carcinoma, Lobular - pathology
Carcinoma, Lobular - therapy
Disease Management
Early Medical Intervention
Feasibility Studies
Female
Follow-up
Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine
Humans
Locoregional recurrence
Middle Aged
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - diagnosis
Neoplasm Staging
Patient Satisfaction
Prognosis
Prospective Studies
Risk Assessment
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Summary:Abstract As the number of breast cancer survivors increases, this study prospectively examined whether tailored follow-up with differentiated number of visits per risk group, based on a prognostic index for local recurrence, is feasible and acceptable for patients and professionals. Between March 2007 and March 2010, 180 breast cancer patients (pT1-2N0-2cM0) were included. Primary endpoint was feasibility of tailored follow-up, based on the number of follow-up visits, patient satisfaction, anxiety and attitude towards follow-up. Secondary endpoints were reasons for visits, incidence, time to detection of local recurrences and the use of alternative care. In the second and third year of follow-up, the results show a 22% reduction in visits per patient in the low-risk group compared to the intermediate-risk group; 2.8 versus 3.6 visits. The majority of interval visits in both groups was initiated by the professional. No significant differences were found in attitude towards follow-up, patient satisfaction, anxiety and depression, alternative health care use or local recurrences between the risk groups. In conclusion, implementation of a tailored follow-up programme with decreased number of visits for low-risk patients is feasible and acceptable to patients. Appointing one coordinating professional, possibly a nurse practitioner, could further reduce the number of follow-up visits.
ISSN:0960-9776
1532-3080
DOI:10.1016/j.breast.2014.09.002