Patient-led breast cancer follow up

Patient-led breast cancer follow up
D. Chapman, E. Cox, P.D. Britton, G.C. Wishart
The Breast 2009 18 (2): 100-102

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The introduction of PLFU has been well received by patients at low risk of breast cancer recurrence or death without a marked increase in GP workload. The use of risk stratification allows low risk patients to undergo five-year mammographic surveillance without regular breast examination but with access to clinical input if necessary. It also allows time to be spent with those patients at higher risk of recurrence as well as an increasing flow of new referrals with symptomatic disease.

Introduction of this model will comply with NICE guidelines to reduce unnecessary breast cancer follow up and contribute to UK breast units achieving the government target to see all breast cancer referrals within two weeks in the near future. The introduction of PLFU should therefore be considered by all breast units in the UK