Randomized Trial of Follow-up Strategies in Breast Cancer

A Randomized Trial of Follow-up Strategies in Breast Cancer

The purpose of this study is to determine whether family physician 'routine follow-up care' of women with breast cancer in remission is an acceptable alternative to the existing system of specialist follow-up. Primary outcome measure are event rates of oncological catastrophes and quality of life.

see above

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women with breast cancer on well follow-up at regional cancer centres in Ontario and Manitoba
• Diagnosed at least 12 months previously (range 9-15 months)
• Without evidence of active disease (i.e., stages IIIB and IV excluded)
• Free from any primary treatment complications

Exclusion Criteria:

• Primary treatment at least 3 months previously, except for continued use of tamoxifen
• Still experiencing complications of primary treatment (patients will become eligible once complications resolve provided they are within the 6 month window)
• Unable to identify an acceptable family physician to provide follow-up
• Language or literacy skills inconsistent with completing questionnaires
• Unable to comply with study protocol including completion of questionnaires
• Previously enrolled in a study which requires continued follow-up in specialist or peripheral clinics
• Actively followed at a cancer centre for another primary cancer