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Treatment of Breast Cancer
Monitoring Following Treatment of Breast Cancer
Studies have suggested that periodic follow-up with bone scans, liver ultrasound, chest x-rays, and blood tests does not improve survival or quality of life when compared to routine physical examinations. Even when these tests permit earlier detection of recurrent disease, patient survival is unaffected. Therefore, some investigators recommend that acceptable follow-up be limited to physical examination and annual mammography for asymptomatic patients who complete treatment for stage I to stage III breast cancer. The frequency of follow-up and the appropriateness of screening tests after the completion of primary treatment for stage I to stage III breast cancer remain controversial.
