scholarly journals The Reality in the Surveillance of Breast Cancer Survivors—Results of a Patient Survey

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. BCBCR.S511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stemmler Hans-Joachim ◽  
Lässig Dorit ◽  
Stieber Petra ◽  
Bauerfeind Ingo ◽  
Kahlert Steffen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Patient Survey ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Imaging Procedures ◽  
Present Survey ◽  
History Of

Background International guidelines for the surveillance of breast cancer patients recommend a minimized clinical follow-up including routine history and physical examination and regularly scheduled mammograms. However, the abandonment of scheduled follow-up examinations in breast cancer survivors remains a contradiction to established follow-up guidelines for other solid tumours. Patients and Methods We report the patients’ view on the basis of a survey performed in two separate geographical areas in Germany. The questionnaires were sent out to 2.658 patients with a history of breast cancer. Results A total of 801 patients (30.1%) responded to the questionnaire. The results of the survey can be summarized in two major categories: First, necessity for surveillance was affirmed by a majority (>95%), and 47.8% of the organized patients answered that there was a need for more intensive diagnostic effort during follow-up. The main expectation from an intensified follow-up was the increased feeling of security as expressed by >80% of the women. Second, the present survey indicates that most of the regularly scheduled follow-up visits were expanded using extensive laboratory and imaging procedures exceeding the quantity of examinations recommended in the present follow-up guidelines. Conclusion Despite the fact that only one third of the patients responded to the questionnaire, the survey indicates that a majority of physicians who treated these patients still do not accept the present follow-up guidelines. To some extent this may be explained by the observation that patients and possibly also their doctors trust that intensified follow-up increases diagnostic security and survival. Since considerable changes in the treatment options of breast cancer have been made during the last decades a new trial of investigations in follow-up is warranted.

Follow-up for breast cancer: Results of a patients survey

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 568-568
Author(s):  
H. Stemmler ◽  
D. Laessig ◽  
P. Stieber ◽  
I. Bauerfeind ◽  
P. Fasching ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Randomized Trials ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Imaging Procedures ◽  
Present Survey ◽  
Pooled Data ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Disease Free

568 Background: International guidelines for the surveillance of post-treatment breast cancer patients recommend a clinical follow-up including routine history, physical examination and regularly scheduled mammograms. This often discussed practice has previously been shown not to be inferior when compared to an intensified follow-up in randomized trials performed in the eighties. Patients and Methods: We report the patients’ view on the basis of pooled data of two surveys performed in Germany. The questionnaire was sent out to 2,658 patients with a history of breast cancer. Results: A total of 801 patients (30.1%) answered to the questionnaire. The median age was 57 years (range 23–85 years). More than 80% of the patients were disease-free at the time of the survey. Necessity for surveillance was affirmed by a majority (95.6%), and 40.3% of the patients answered that there was a need for more intensive diagnostic effort with regard to laboratory exams and imaging procedures during follow-up. The main expectation from an intensified follow-up include was the increased feeling of security as expressed by 86.6% of the patients. In contrast to the follow-up guidelines, the present survey indicates that most of the regularly scheduled follow-up visits were expanded using extensive laboratory and imaging procedures (ultrasound 81.9%, CT scan 33.8%). In view of the unsatisfactory evidence on follow-up in breast cancer only 25.7% patients indicated that they would participate in a trial randomising between conventional and more intensive follow-up. Conclusion: The survey indicates that a majority of physicians do not accept the present follow-up guidelines. To some extent this may be explained by the observation that patients and possibly also their doctors trust that intensified follow-up increases diagnostic security. Clearly, a new surveillance study is warranted which investigates the impact of an intensified surveillance on survival based on the greatly improved possibilities of modern diagnostics and treatment. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Patients’ Treatment Choices and Outcomes in a Naturopathic Clinic

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Disease Status ◽  
Tumor Burden ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Treatment Choices ◽  
History Of

In this study we gathered data in July 2016 by means of questionnaires from breast cancer survivors following initial consult in a naturopathic clinic. Most patients surveyed had previously or concurrently had total surgical resection of their tumor burden, followed by at least 36 treatments of intravenous nutrients, including water -soluble vitamins and minerals. We compare those having a history of surgery with those not having that history. We also compare outcomes among those having a history of radiation therapy and those without, as well as those having a history of chemotherapy and those without. Some of those in remission chose to return for follow-up intravenous nutrients once per month after achieving remission from their cancers. We compare the different cohorts, among the various stages of cancer, for treatment choices and disease status. 97 total cancer survivors responded fully and promptly to the questionnaires. 37 of those were breast cancer patients.

Feasibility of group follow-up visit for breast cancer survivors

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 19603-19603
Author(s):  
C. O. Ruud ◽  
K. Francis ◽  
C. Stephens ◽  
M. H. Rajab
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Social Worker ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Group Visit ◽  
Follow Up Care

19603 Background: The ASCO 2006 guidelines specify that regularly scheduled follow-up care of breast cancer survivors should be the standard. Follow up care is a “teachable moment” to train survivors in positive habits. A group visit model at the Cleveland Clinic proved feasible and improved patient satisfaction for other diseases. Our objectives include assessing the feasibility of an adapted group follow-up visit for the care of breast cancer patients and patient satisfaction. Methods: A feasibility study targeting breast cancer patients who completed primary therapy and were scheduled for a routine appointment. We mailed letters inviting patients to a follow-up group visit. Patients were divided into 3 groups, each scheduled for a separate (90–120 minute). During the first half of the visit, participants were divided into three groups; 5-minute physician exam, nurse review of medications and vital signs, and instruction by a social worker. Groups were rotated. During the second half the doctor, nurse, and social worker met with all participants in one room starting with an educational presentation about fatigue and exercise. Each participant was subsequently interviewed by the physician in the presence of their peers. Shared complaints were investigated first. Patients rated their satisfaction with the different parts of the visit on a scale of 1–5. Participants were surveyed pre- and post- education session and asked if they would participate again. Participants were allowed to bring a family member or friend. Results: 29 (29.6 %) out of 98 consented and 22 (22.5%) attended;10 in first visit, 5 in second visit and 7 in last visit. Average age 61±8, ranged from 46–72 years. Most participants were satisfied with all parts of the group visit, except two in the first group were less satisfied with the check in process and moving between rooms. Comparing the pre- vs. post- educational session surveys showed an improved understanding of the importance of fatigue or exercise. 17 (77%) out of 22 participants agreed to participate in another group visit. Conclusion: Group visit format is feasible and provides patient satisfaction. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Variation among Local Health Units in Follow-Up Care of Breast Cancer Patients in Emilia-Romagna, Italy

2013 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Leoni ◽  
Radha Sadacharan ◽  
Daniel Louis ◽  
Fabio Falcini ◽  
Carol Rabinowitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Local Health ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Follow Up Care ◽  
Bone Scans

Aims and background This study examines the patterns of follow-up care for breast cancer survivors in one region in Italy. Methods and study design This retrospective analysis included 10,024 surgically treated women, with incident cases of breast cancer in the years 2002–2005 who were alive 18 months after their incidence date. Rates of use of follow-up mammograms, abdominal echogram, bone scans and chest x-rays were estimated from administrative data and compared by Local Health Unit (LHU) of residence. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess possible “overuse”, accounting for patient age, cancer stage, type of surgery and LHU of residence. Results A total of 7168 (72.1%) women received a mammogram within 18 months of their incidence date, while 6432 (64.2%) had an abdominal echogram, 3852 (38.4%) had a bone scan and 5231 (52.2%) had a chest x-ray. The rates of use of abdominal echograms, bone scans and chest x-rays were substantially higher in the population of breast cancer survivors than in the general female population. Taking account of patient age, cancer stage at diagnosis and type of surgery, multivariate analyses demonstrated significant variation in the use of these tests by LHU of residence. Conclusions The observed variation in the use of abdominal echograms, bone scans and chest x-rays supports the conclusion that there is substantial misuse of these tests in the population of postsurgical breast cancer patients in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. In the absence of a documented survival benefit, overtesting has both a human and financial cost. We recommend additional review of the methods of follow-up care in breast cancer patients in the LHUs of Emilia-Romagna, with the aim of developing, disseminating and evaluating the implementation of specific guidelines targeting primary care physicians and oncologists providing care to breast cancer survivors. Patient education materials may also help to reduce unnecessary testing.

Assessment of the sexual health of breast cancer survivors and their interest in discussing their difficulties with their doctors during follow-up.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e12542-e12542
Author(s):  
Natalia Camejo ◽  
Cecilia Castillo ◽  
Ana laura Hernandez ◽  
Nora Artagaveytia ◽  
Dahiana Amarillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Sexual Problems ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
The One ◽  
The University

e12542 Background: Sexual dysfunction from breast cancer and its various therapies is present in up to 60% of the breast cancer patients. Sexuality remains a neglected issue; doctors often ignore it, claiming they lack the time, knowledge or expertise required to address it. Objectives: To evaluate the sexuality of breast cancer survivors, inquire about the degree of interest in receiving help to resolve sexual dysfunctions related to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease and the level of satisfaction with the care received. Methods: One hundred twenty eigth patients with early breast cancer treated at the Mastology Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas were enrrolled. The study was approved by the hospital’s Ethics Committee. The selected questionnaire is the one used at the University of Chicago Medical Oncology Clinic. Results: Most patients were over 50 years old (96 patients) and had a sexual partner (87 patients), 98 patients (76.5%) had been sexually active within the last 12 months and 85 (86.7%) reported having sexual problems. Moreover, most patients (67/128, 68.3%) responded that sexuality was important in their lives; 85 (86.6%) were interested in receiving support to treat their sexual difficulties, and 72 (73.4%) saw the feasibility of addressing them with a doctor. However, only 29 (29.6%) had sought medical help for that purpose, and most were unhappy with the care received. Seventy-nine patients (80.6%) would be willing to participate in a program aimed at confronting their sexual problems. Conclusions: Our results reveal the need to address the sexual problems of patients diagnosed and treated for breast cancer as part of their medical care. Future studies should focus on developing and evaluating the success of specific interventions in the management of these patients’ sexual dysfunction and - even more importantly - designing strategies for its prevention.

Baseline cancer worry and tumor marker testing among earlier-stage breast cancer patients participating in a Choosing Wisely pilot.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (29_suppl) ◽  
pp. 153-153
Author(s):  
Karma L. Kreizenbeck ◽  
Kathryn Egan ◽  
Tracy Wong ◽  
Barbara Jagels ◽  
Barbara Jensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Tumor Marker ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Choosing Wisely ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Worry ◽  
High Baseline ◽  
The Impact

153 Background: We developed a patient-facing video aimed at raising early breast cancer survivors’ adherence to ASCO’s Choosing Wisely recommendation against surveillance tumor marker testing. To understand the impact of the video on cancer worry regarding recurrence, we surveyed breast cancer survivors before and after viewing the video. Methods: Women with stage I-IIIA breast cancer (N=246) treated at six regional community clinics were surveyed prior to viewing a video at the start of surveillance, then again at follow-up one year later (N=171). Both surveys included the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS-8 items, 4-point Likert scale). Tumor marker (TM) testing during surveillance was collected for 728 patients and linked to surveys among those who provided consent (N=105). Results: Most women (77%) were white age 50+. Among women who completed both questionnaires (N=153), the average CWS summary score was 17.1 at baseline (range=9-29) and 16.9 at follow-up ( p=0.48, range=8-30). Women who did not view the video (A) and those with high baseline cancer worry (B) who viewed the video had similar rates of TM testing (19%) compared to patients with low baseline cancer worry (C) who viewed the video (3%). Cancer worry is highly correlated with the decision to use of TM testing. Viewing an informational video that provided evidence-based advice on follow-up and testing did not impact cancer worry. Enrollment among eligible patients was impacted by challenges to proactively identify and consent patients during their transition to surveillance. Conclusions: Patients with high baseline cancer worry may need different or additional guidance beyond an educational video during their transition to surveillance for breast cancer. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Electronic Medical Record–Assisted Telephone Follow-Up of Breast Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single Institution Experience

2020 ◽  
pp. OP.20.00643
Author(s):  
Valeria Merz ◽  
Antonella Ferro ◽  
Enrico Maria Piras ◽  
Alberto Zanutto ◽  
Orazio Caffo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Medical Record ◽  
Electronic Medical Record ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Emergency Situation ◽  
History Of ◽  
Important Means

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 outbreak rapidly became a public health emergency and led to radical changes in patient management. From the start of the pandemic, we used electronic medical record–assisted telephone follow-up (E-TFU) of cancer survivors (CS) to minimize hospital exposure. The aim of this prospective study was to assess how breast cancer survivors (bCSs) perceived E-TFU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 15-item survey was e-mailed to bCSs who had been managed with E-TFU. The responses were measured using Likert-like scales and were correlated with the main characteristics of the bCS using Pearson's test. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-seven of 343 bCSs (40%) completed the survey between March 9 and June 2, 2020. Their median age was 59 years. Although 80.3% of bCSs were satisfied with E-TFU, only 43.8% would like to have E-TFU in the future. A low educational level was correlated with higher COVID-19–related anxiety ( P = .025). An older age ( P = .002) and a low educational level ( P < .0001) were correlated with the need to be accompanied to reach the hospital. A personal history of second cancer was inversely correlated with understanding medical advice ( P = .015) and the expectation of feeling relief after a follow-up visit ( P = .0027). Furthermore, pandemic phase II was correlated with satisfaction with E-TFU ( P = .010). CONCLUSION: E-TFU was an important means of avoiding hospital contacts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the majority of bCSs in the survey were satisfied with this procedure. Further studies are needed to investigate the implementation of telemedicine even outside an emergency situation.

scholarly journals Adherence to follow-up recommendation guidelines in long term breast cancer survivors, a SURBCAN cohort analysis using administrative databases

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

scholarly journals Changes in the Semantic Construction of Compassion after the Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) in Women Breast Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar González-Hernández ◽  
Daniel Campos ◽  
Rebeca Diego-Pedro ◽  
Rocío Romero ◽  
Rosa Baños ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Semantic Differential ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Specific Culture ◽  
Differential Categories

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.

Mammography Surveillance and Mortality in Older Breast Cancer Survivors

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (21) ◽  
pp. 3001-3006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy L. Lash ◽  
Matthew P. Fox ◽  
Diana S.M. Buist ◽  
Feifei Wei ◽  
Terry S. Field ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Mortality ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Breast Cancer Mortality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Early Stage Disease

Purpose There are more than 2,000,000 breast cancer survivors in the United States today. While surveillance for asymptomatic recurrence and second primary is included in consensus recommendations, the effectiveness of this surveillance has not been well characterized. Our purpose is to estimate the effectiveness of surveillance mammography in a cohort of breast cancer survivors with complete ascertainment of surveillance mammograms and negligible losses to follow-up. Patients and Methods We enrolled 1,846 stage I and II breast cancer patients who were at least 65 years old at six integrated health care delivery systems. We used medical record review and existing databases to ascertain patient, tumor, and therapy characteristics, as well as receipt of surveillance mammograms. We linked personal identifiers to the National Death Index to ascertain date and cause of death. We matched four controls to each breast cancer decedent to estimate the association between receipt of surveillance mammogram and breast cancer mortality. Results One hundred seventy-eight women died of breast cancer during 5 years of follow-up. Each additional surveillance mammogram was associated with a 0.69-fold decrease in the odds of breast cancer mortality (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.92). The protective association was strongest among women with stage I disease, those who received mastectomy, and those in the oldest age group. Conclusion Given existing recommendations for post-therapy surveillance, trials to compare surveillance with no surveillance are unlikely. This large observational study provides support for the recommendations, suggesting that receipt of surveillance mammograms reduces the rate of breast cancer mortality in older patients diagnosed with early-stage disease.

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