Use of advanced imaging and biomarker tests for post-treatment surveillance in early-stage breast cancer survivors.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (34_suppl) ◽  
pp. 168-168
Author(s):  
Erin E. Hahn ◽  
Kaizeen C. Mody ◽  
Amy Ann Jacobson ◽  
Patricia A. Ganz

168 Background: The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) released a “Top Five” list of opportunities to improve the quality of cancer care. #4 focused on post-treatment surveillance in breast cancer patients treated with curative intent. The ASCO guideline on breast cancer follow up advises against using advanced imaging and biomarkers in this setting. We undertook an examination of the patterns of follow-up care for breast cancer survivors treated at an academic medical center to evaluate use of non-recommended services. Methods: Claims data and medical records were reviewed and abstracted for early stage (0-IIIA) breast cancer survivors starting one year post diagnosis, with an average of 5 years of follow-up data. A trained abstractor classified imaging tests as diagnostic/surveillance based on medical record content. A 10% random sample was abstracted by a second abstractor and compared for concordance. Descriptive statistics were generated for patient demographic and medical characteristics, and proportions for receipt of non-recommended services, including if imaging procedures were performed for diagnostic/surveillance purposes. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with receiving non-recommended services. Results: Records were available for 258 patients. The mean age was 62 (SD 13), mean time since diagnosis was 6 years (SD 2), 66% were stage 0/1. 35% received at least one abdominal CT, 31% at least one chest CT, 20% at least one PET, 30% at least one bone scan. Of these services, 90 abdominal CT scans (47%), 131 chest CT scans (65%), 77 PET scans (90%), and 29 bone scans (26%) were classified as surveillance. 80% received CEA and/or CA 27.29 tests; 8% received CA 15-3 tests. Logistic regression revealed no consistent association of medical, demographic, or provider factors with receiving non-recommended services. Conclusions: Use of non-recommended services for surveillance occurs frequently among early stage survivors. Providers in this academic center had no personal financial incentive for ordering these services. There are opportunities to increase use of guideline concordant post-treatment care for breast cancer survivors.

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Singh-Carlson ◽  
F. Wong ◽  
G. Oshan

Background This paper focuses on phase iii of a study evaluating the development and implementation of a survivorship care plan (scp) that could ultimately improve post-treatment quality of life for South Asian (sa) breast cancer survivors (bcss). Evaluating the utility of the scp was important to understand how sociocultural influences might affect uptake of the scp by sa bcss, especially as they transition from treatment to community care.Methods Post-treatment discharge planning using an individualized scp at discharge for sa female breast cancer patients with stage i or ii disease was offered as a pilot service to oncologists at BC Cancer’s Fraser Valley and Abbotsford centres. A longitudinal study using a mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the utility of that service at 1 year after discharge.Results Participants (n = 16) completed a survey about their scp delivery experience, and a 1-year post implementation survey about the scp content and its utility. Most participants reported the discharge appointments to be extremely or very helpful with respect to post-treatment care questions. All have visited their family physicians for follow-up as recommended. The three major sources of support were family, faith, and family physician. Qualitative responses from the health care professionals who developed or implemented the scps identified two challenges in scp delivery: engaging patients or family members in relationship, and translating key information through interpreters.Conclusions It is important to evaluate the utility of scps for sa female survivors, who might differ from the general bcs population because of a different understanding of the disease; language barriers; strong influence of family members; societal stigmas; and personal, social, cultural, and religious beliefs and values. A formal nurse-led discharge appointment with discussions about follow-up care and an individualized scp outlining the short- and long-term effects of treatment are recommended. Particular attention has to be paid to the practical and psychosocial needs of sa bcss and their supporting family members.


2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 923-932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred C. Marcus ◽  
Kathleen M. Garrett ◽  
David Cella ◽  
Lari Wenzel ◽  
Marianne J. Brady ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Vollmer Dahlke ◽  
Aya Yoshikawa ◽  
Molly McAdams ◽  
Sharyn Malatok ◽  
Elaine D. Gonzales

BACKGROUND Prior studies indicate that the age of onset of breast cancer is an important element in considering communication between patients and the healthcare team. Younger women ages 45 and under diagnosed with breast cancer are often at a higher risk of being more vulnerable to psychosocial issues as compared to older women. While doctor-patient communication is the primary way women with breast cancer learn about important elements of their cancer therapy and post-treatment survivorship, few studies have examined age differences in patient perceptions of treatment-related discussions and of communications during transition with their healthcare team. OBJECTIVE The aims of this survey were: 1) to better understand breast cancer survivors’ perspectives of healthcare providers communication during treatment and in transition to post-treatment, and 2) to determine the differences between younger women with breast cancer (<45 years of age) as compared to older women (>46 years of age and older). It was hypothesized that 1) breast cancer survivors’ psychosocial and finance-related communications with healthcare providers may lack effectiveness; 2) younger women experience greater needs in physician and healthcare providers’ patient-centered communication, especially around psychosocial care and transition to post-treatment; and 3) younger breast cancer patients (<45 years of age) need more information on survivorship and follow-up care. METHODS An online survey was conducted with 143 women in Central Texas with 35.% (n=50) age 45 or under and 65% (n=93) ages 46 and above. The participants were invited via email links from a number of Texas-based cancer and breast cancer advocacy groups. The Mann–Whitney U test was performed to assess differences in participants’ perceptions about communication with healthcare providers by age group: young (<45 years of age) and old (≥ 46 years of age). RESULTS Participants were asked to score question areas such as concerns during treatment and how much discussion occurred between patients and providers. Statistically significant results were in regard to rating healthcare team and patient discussions about the transition from treatment to post-treatment using a score of 0 as “no discussion” and 100 as “in-depth discussion.” For the questions about management of post treatment care the group mean score was 56.26; the younger group mean was 43.96; the older group mean was 61.96 (P=.022). For the question about the timing of follow-up appointments, the overall group mean was 64.29; the younger group mean was 54.44; the older group mean was 68.88 (P=.049). For the overall group, scores related to psychosocial and financial support discussions with healthcare providers during the transition to post treatment care were low, with a rollup average of only 30.02 out of 100, suggesting that this is an important area for improving patient-centered communications. CONCLUSIONS For all patients, transition from treatment to post-treatment require greater healthcare team engagement and communications. It appears that younger patients age <45 have needs for more in-depth and personalized messaging to better understand their post-treatment care requirements.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 19637-19637
Author(s):  
D. G. Groff ◽  
C. L. Battaglini ◽  
J. Peppercorn

19637 Background: The number of breast cancer survivors is increasing due to early detection and advancements in treatment leading to increased concern with long term side effects and quality of life after therapy for early stage breast cancer. The Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Program addresses the physiological and psychological declines experienced by breast cancer survivors post-treatment through combined exercise (EX) and recreation therapy (RT) to strengthen the body and mind of survivors and improve overall QOL. Methods: Women with early stage breast cancer within 6 months from completion of initial therapy were recruited to participate in a combined EX and RT intervention. The EX consisted of cardiovascular endurance (VO2 Max), muscular endurance (ME) and flexibility (FL) training. The RT included activities such as leisure counseling, bio-feedback, heart-math, crafts, and a ropes course. Each participant engaged in an individually prescribed intervention for 8 weeks, 3 times per week, for approximately 1.5 hour per therapy session. A battery of fitness and psychological assessments including, VO2 Max, body composition (BC), ME, FL, fatigue (F), depression (D), QOL were used to assess baseline parameters and outcomes. Descriptive statistics presenting the results of baseline and final assessments were used to evaluate program outcomes. Results: Fifteen subjects, age 30 to 75, volunteered for the program. At initial analysis, clinically relevant changes in physiological and psychological parameters were observed. Improvements in VO2 Max, BC, and ME were observed for all subjects. Positive changes in psychological parameters were also observed in all of subjects including decreased F and D accompanied by increased QOL. Conclusions: The results of this pilot program are promising and suggest that further evaluation of this novel combination of EX and RT to improve physical and emotional functioning, and overall QOL after breast cancer treatment are warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


The Breast ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. S80-S81
Author(s):  
P. Santiá ◽  
A. Jansana ◽  
T. Sanz ◽  
I. de la Cura ◽  
M. Padilla-Ruiz ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar González-Hernández ◽  
Daniel Campos ◽  
Rebeca Diego-Pedro ◽  
Rocío Romero ◽  
Rosa Baños ◽  
...  

Abstract The growing body of research on compassion has demonstrated its benefits for healthcare and wellbeing. However, there is no clear agreement about a definition for compassion, given the novelty of the research on this construct and its religious roots. The aim of this study is to analyze the mental semantic construction of compassion in Spanish-speaking women breast cancer survivors, and the effects of the Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) on the modification of this definition, compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU), at baseline, post-intervention, and six-month follow-up. Participants were 56 women breast cancer survivors from a randomized clinical trial. The Osgood’s Semantic Differential categories (evaluative, potency, and activity scales) were adapted to assess the semantic construction of compassion. At baseline, participants had an undefined idea about compassion. The CBCT influenced subjects’ semantic construction of what it means to be compassionate. Findings could lead to future investigations and compassion programs that adapt to a specific culture or population.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document