Follow-up Mammograms a Must for Breast Cancer Survivors
In women treated for breast cancer, large numbers of them are not returning for annual mammograms. A new study at the University of Massachusetts Medical School looked at compliance with mammography guidelines in 797 breast cancer survivors over the age of 55.
Average age was 69, and 80% were Caucasian. Forty percent had one breast removed, while the others had a lumpectomy or other breast-conserving therapy.
About 80% of women had mammograms within the first year after surgery. By the fifth year, the percentage dropped to 63%. Women who had lumpectomies were more likely to get annual mammograms than those who received a mastectomy.
All taking part in the study had health insurance. For those who don’t, their mammography screenings are assumed to be even lower. Follow-up with imaging technology is vital, as women with cancer in one breast have three-times the risk of cancer recurring in the other breast.
Regular screening increases the survival rate for a breast cancer diagnosis. When a recurrence is detected earlier, the chances of successful treatment are improved.
• Although researchers in this study did not investigate reasons for low compliance, the answers are probably: fear of what may be found, complacency, or problems in communication between patient and health care providers.
Women who are five years or more past their diagnosis should not consider themselves “home free.” Breast cancer can recur in a breast or metastasize to other parts of the body many years later. For this reason, breast cancer survivors should be followed for life.
After the five-year marker, some HMOs have a policy that medical or radiation oncologists will discontinue their involvement in the woman’s care.
In that case, she needs to receive a thorough annual breast exam by her gynecologist, general practitioner or surgical oncologist. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over age 40 get an annual mammogram, but less than two-thirds do.
Those who have undergone double mastectomies do not need mammogram follow-up. The blood test CA15-3 can give additional reassurance, although results are not completely reliable. If their doctor doesn’t offer it, women should ask for this simple lab test.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women. In the U.S., 180,000 cases were diagnosed in 1994. About 41,000 die of the disease each year. Men can also get breast cancer but account for only 1% of total cases.
Average age was 69, and 80% were Caucasian. Forty percent had one breast removed, while the others had a lumpectomy or other breast-conserving therapy.
About 80% of women had mammograms within the first year after surgery. By the fifth year, the percentage dropped to 63%. Women who had lumpectomies were more likely to get annual mammograms than those who received a mastectomy.
All taking part in the study had health insurance. For those who don’t, their mammography screenings are assumed to be even lower. Follow-up with imaging technology is vital, as women with cancer in one breast have three-times the risk of cancer recurring in the other breast.
Regular screening increases the survival rate for a breast cancer diagnosis. When a recurrence is detected earlier, the chances of successful treatment are improved.
• Although researchers in this study did not investigate reasons for low compliance, the answers are probably: fear of what may be found, complacency, or problems in communication between patient and health care providers.
Women who are five years or more past their diagnosis should not consider themselves “home free.” Breast cancer can recur in a breast or metastasize to other parts of the body many years later. For this reason, breast cancer survivors should be followed for life.
After the five-year marker, some HMOs have a policy that medical or radiation oncologists will discontinue their involvement in the woman’s care.
In that case, she needs to receive a thorough annual breast exam by her gynecologist, general practitioner or surgical oncologist. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over age 40 get an annual mammogram, but less than two-thirds do.
Those who have undergone double mastectomies do not need mammogram follow-up. The blood test CA15-3 can give additional reassurance, although results are not completely reliable. If their doctor doesn’t offer it, women should ask for this simple lab test.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women. In the U.S., 180,000 cases were diagnosed in 1994. About 41,000 die of the disease each year. Men can also get breast cancer but account for only 1% of total cases.
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