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Intensity of Follow-Up After Breast Cancer Surgery: Low Versus High?

  • Breast Oncology
  • Published:
Annals of Surgical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The incidence of breast cancer has been on the rise in the United States over the past several decades. The advanced longevity of the population during this same time period, specifically of elderly women, translates to increases in the absolute number of women diagnosed with breast cancer yearly. This, in combination with decreasing mortality rates, has now led to an increase in the number of breast cancer survivors who need long-term follow-up. There has been significant debate over what tests should be obtained, how often they should be obtained, how long surveillance should be continued, and by whom this should be performed. We review the published guidelines for surveillance, available data regarding low- versus high-intensity surveillance plans, current practice patterns, and recommendations for future strategies.

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Disclosures

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA

    Julie A. Margenthaler MD & Amy E. Cyr MD

  2. Department of Surgery, Siteman Cancer Center, Saint Louis, MO, USA

    Julie A. Margenthaler MD & Amy E. Cyr MD

  3. Department of Surgery, St. Louis University Health Sciences Center, Saint Louis, MO, USA

    Frank E. Johnson MD

  4. Department of Surgery, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Saint Louis, MO, USA

    Frank E. Johnson MD

Authors
  1. Julie A. Margenthaler MD
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  2. Frank E. Johnson MD
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  3. Amy E. Cyr MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Julie A. Margenthaler MD.

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Margenthaler, J.A., Johnson, F.E. & Cyr, A.E. Intensity of Follow-Up After Breast Cancer Surgery: Low Versus High?. Ann Surg Oncol 21, 733–737 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-013-3251-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-013-3251-8

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