Follow-up of breast cancer stages I and II. An analysis of some common methods
Ojeda, M.B.; Alonso, M.C.; Bastus, R.; Alba, E.; Piera, J.M.; Lopez Lopez, J.J.
European Journal of Cancer and Clinical Oncology 23(4): 419-423
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0277-5379 PMID: 3609106 Document Number: 296116
A retrospective analysis of the follow-up methodology was done in 343 cases of breast cancer Stages I and II, in order to ascertain the effectiveness of the explorations performed and the usefulness of the follow-up program. The actuarial probability of relapse at 6 years was 35% for the 237 patients with negative axillary nodes and 46% for the 106 patients with nodal involvement. Fifty-eight per cent of the relapses were detected by the patients themselves, 24% of relapses were found by physical examination and 9% of relapses were discovered in chest radiographs, leading to 91% of relapses diagnosed by combination of these explorations. The authors conclude that follow-up methodology of these patients could be limited to the above-mentioned methods, without significant reduction of curability or survival possibilities after relapse.