[Follow-up of patients treated for localized invasive breast carcinoma]

Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2008 Feb;36(2):183-189. doi: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2007.11.019. Epub 2008 Feb 5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The follow-up of patients treated for invasive breast carcinoma remains a major challenge because of breast cancer prevalence and the frequent patient's preferences for a regular follow-up. Concerning this last point, there is a lack of studies about the consequences of a systematic follow-up. Few decades ago, regular and systematic follow-up was considered as a dogma. In 1994, it was seriously questioned by two randomised Italian trials: they did not find any benefit in terms of survival and quality of life in patients who had a regular search of asymptomatic metastasis. Follow-up strategy after early breast cancer is still an unexplored field, despite higher performance of investigation tests and development of new treatments strategies that allowed a significant decrease of recurrences and increase of cancer care. Currently, the international guidelines deeply recommend a regular physical examination and mammography. But a systematic search for non-symptomatic metastases is unnecessary. We now need a coordination between practitioners to avoid useless tests, and to respond to patients' will.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Mammography*
  • Mastectomy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Office Visits
  • Population Surveillance
  • Quality of Life*