Follow-up of breast cancer patients.

The existing follow-up standard for breast cancer patients has been reviewed by a representative trial involving 1,004 curatively treated patients, who underwent surgery between 1977 and 1987. The objective of the study has been to establish whether intensive diagnostics of recurrences and metastases will lead, as a result of the follow-up, to life prolongation or improvement of life quality, and which methods will be adequate to achieve this goal. The analysis has shown that metastases are recognized only insignificantly earlier, and that improvement of survival is not achieved. The results of the trial have led to a recommendation for an effective follow-up programme for breast cancer patients, with emphasis on subtle case history data and exact clinical investigations.