Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

The role of the GP in follow-up cancer care: a systematic literature review

  • Review
  • Published:
Journal of Cancer Survivorship Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to explore the role of the general practitioners, family physicians and primary care physicians (GP) in the provision of follow-up cancer care.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE and CINAHL were systematically searched for primary research focussing on the role of the GP from the perspective of GPs and patients. Data were extracted using a standardised form and synthesised using a qualitative descriptive approach.

Results

The initial search generated 6487 articles: 25 quantitative and 33 qualitative articles were included. Articles focused on patients’ and GPs’ perspectives of the GP role in follow-up cancer care. Some studies reported on the current role of the GP, barriers and enablers to GP involvement from the perspective of the GP and suggestions for future GP roles. Variations in guidelines and practice of follow-up cancer care in the primary health care sector exist. However, GPs and patients across the included studies supported a greater GP role in follow-up cancer care. This included greater support for care coordination, screening, diagnosis and management of physical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatment, symptom and pain relief, health promotion, palliative care and continuing normal general health care provision.

Conclusion

While there are variations in guidelines and practice of follow-up cancer care in the primary health care sector, GPs and patients across the reviewed studies supported a greater role by the GP.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Greater GP role in cancer care could improve the quality of patient care for cancer survivors. Better communication between the tertiary sector and GP across the cancer phases would enable clear delineation of roles.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.

References

  1. International Agency Research on Cancer. Fact Sheets by Cancer: Estimated cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence worldwide 2012. International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organisation; 2016. http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_cancer.aspx. Accessed 21 Oct 2015.

  2. International Agency for Research on Cancer. World Cancer Report 2014. WHO Press; 2014. http://www.iarc.fr/en/publications/books/wcr/wcr-order.php. Accessed 12 Oct 2015.

  3. Jemal A, Bray F, Center MM, Ferlay J, Ward E, Forman D. Global cancer statistics. CA Cancer J Clin. 2011;61(2):69–90. doi:10.3322/caac.20107.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. American Cancer Society. Global Cancer Facts & Figures 3rd edn. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2015. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@research/documents/document/acspc-044738.pdf. Accessed 16 Sept 2015

  5. McCabe MS, Bhatia S, Oeffinger KC, Reaman GH, Tyne C, Wollins DS, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology statement: achieving high-quality cancer survivorship care. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(5):631–40.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. de Moor JS, Mariotto AB, Parry C, Alfano CM, Padgett L, Kent EE, et al. Cancer survivors in the United States: prevalence across the survivorship trajectory and implications for care. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2013;22(4):561–70.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Muka T, Imo D, Jaspers L, Colpani V, Chaker L, van der Lee SJ, et al. The global impact of non-communicable diseases on healthcare spending and national income: a systematic review. Eur J Epidemiol. 2015;30(4):251–277.

  8. Sullivan R, Peppercorn J, Sikora K, Zalcberg J, Meropol NJ, Amir E, et al. Delivering affordable cancer care in high-income countries. Lancet Oncol. 2011;12(10):933–80. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(11)70141-3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Shi L. The impact of primary care: a focused review. Scientifica. 2012. doi:10.6064/2012/432892.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. DeMario MD, Ratain MJ. Oral chemotherapy: rationale and future directions. J Clin Oncol. 1998;16(7):2557.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Riechelmann RP, Tannock IF, Wang L, Saad ED, Taback NA, Krzyzanowska MK. Potential drug interactions and duplicate prescriptions among cancer patients. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007;99(8):592–600. doi:10.1093/jnci/djk130.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Augestad KM, Norum J, Dehof S, Aspevik R, Ringberg U, Nestvold T, et al. Cost-effectiveness and quality of life in surgeon versus general practitioner-organised colon cancer surveillance: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2013;3(4).

  13. Lewis RA, Neal RD, Williams NH, France B, Hendry M, Russell D, et al. Follow-up of cancer in primary care versus secondary care: systematic review. Brit J Gen Pract. 2009;59(564):e234–47. doi:10.3399/bjgp09X453567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Montgomery DA, Krupa K, Cooke TG. Alternative methods of follow up in breast cancer: a systematic review of the literature. Br J Cancer. 2007;96(11):1625–32. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603771.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Emery JD, Shaw K, Williams B, Mazza D, Fallon-Ferguson J, Varlow M, et al. The role of primary care in early detection and follow-up of cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2014;11(1):38. doi:10.1038/nrclinonc.2013.212.

  16. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, Group TP. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement: e1000097. PLoS Med. 2009;6(7). doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097.

  17. Bulsara C, Ward AM, Joske D. Patient perceptions of the GP role in cancer management. Aust Fam Physician. 2005;34(4):299–302. doi:10.2267/0300-8495.34.4.1776.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Mitchell GK, Burridge LH, Colquist SP, Love A. General practitioners’ perceptions of their role in cancer care and factors which influence this role. Health Soc Care Community. 2012;20(6):607–16. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2524.2012.01075.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Sisler JJ, Brown JB, Stewart M. Family physicians’ roles in cancer care. Survey of patients on a provincial cancer registry. Can Fam Phys. 2004;50(6):889–96.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Brennan M, Butow P, Spillane AJ, Marven M, Boyle FM. Follow up after breast cancer: views of Australian women. Aust Fam Physician. 2011;40(5):311–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Ben-Ami E, Merom H, Sikron F, Livneh J, Sadetzki S, Wolf I. Involvement of the family physician in the care of chemotherapy-treated patients with cancer: patients’ perspectives. J Oncol Pract / Am Soc Clin Oncol. 2014;10(5):298–305. doi:10.1200/JOP.2013.001182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Kendall M, Boyd K, Campbell C, Cormie P, Fife S, Thomas K, et al. How do people with cancer wish to be cared for in primary care? Serial discussion groups of patients and carers. Fam Pract. 2006;23(6):644–50. doi:10.1093/fampra/cml035.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Urquhart R, Folkes A, Babineau J, Grunfeld E. Views of breast and colorectal cancer survivors on their routine follow-up care. Curr Oncol (Toronto, Ont). 2012;19(6):294–301. doi:10.3747/co.19.1051.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. O’Brien R, Rose PW, Campbell C, Weller D, Neal RD, Wilkinson C, et al. Experiences of follow-up after treatment in patients with prostate cancer: a qualitative study. BJU Int. 2010;106(7):998.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Halkett GKB, Jiwa M, Lobb EA. Patients’ perspectives on the role of their general practitioner after receiving an advanced cancer diagnosis. Eur J Cancer Care. 2015;24(5):662–72. doi:10.1111/ecc.12224.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Suija K, Kordemets T, Annuk K, Kalda R. The role of general practitioners in cancer care: a mixed method design. J Canc Edu Offic J Am Assoc Canc Edu. 2015. doi:10.1007/s13187-015-0834-z.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Browne S, Dowie A, Mitchell E, Mitchell L, Wyke S, Ziebland S, et al. Patients’ needs following colorectal cancer diagnosis: where does primary care fit in? Brit J Gen Pract J Roy Coll Gen Pract. 2011;61(592):e692-e9. doi:10.3399/bjgp11X606582.

  28. Dalsted RJ, Guassora AD, Thorsen T. Danish general practitioners only play a minor role in the coordination of cancer treatment. Danish Med Bull. 2011;58(1):A4222.

  29. Khan NF, Evans J, Rose PW. A qualitative study of unmet needs and interactions with primary care among cancer survivors. Brit J Cancer. 2011;105 Suppl 1(S1):S46–S51. doi:10.1038/bjc.2011.422.

  30. Suija K, Ilves K, Ööpik P, Maaroos H-I, Kalda R. Patients’ experience with cancer care: a qualitative study in family practice. Eur J Gen Pract. 2013;19(2):111–6. doi:10.3109/13814788.2012.732568.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Wind J, Duineveld LA, van der Heijden RP, van Asselt KM, Bemelman WA, van Weert HC. Follow-up after colon cancer treatment in the Netherlands; a survey of patients, GPs, and colorectal surgeons. Eur J Sur Oncol J Eur Soc Surg Oncol Brit Assoc Surg Oncol. 2013;39(8):837. doi:10.1016/j.ejso.2013.04.001.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Hudson SV, Miller SM, Hemler J, Ferrante JM, Lyle J, Oeffinger KC, et al. Adult cancer survivors discuss follow-up in primary care: ‘not what I want, but maybe what I need’. Ann Fam Med. 2012;10(5):418–27. doi:10.1370/afm.1379.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Aubin M, Vézina L, Verreault R, Fillion L, Hudon E, Lehmann F, et al. Family physician involvement in cancer care follow-up: the experience of a cohort of patients with lung cancer. Ann Fam Med. 2010;8(6):526–32. doi:10.1370/afm.1171.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  34. Michiels E, Deschepper R, Van Der Kelen G, Bernheim JL, Mortier F, Vander Stichele R, et al. The role of general practitioners in continuity of care at the end of life: a qualitative study of terminally ill patients and their next of kin. Palliat Med. 2007;21(5):409–15. doi:10.1177/0269216307078503.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Norman A, Sisler J, Hack T, Harlos M. Family physicians and cancer care. Palliative care patients’ perspectives. Can Fam Phys. 2001;47(10):2009–16.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Nazareth I, Jones L, Irving A, Aslett H, Ramsay A, Richardson A, et al. Perceived concepts of continuity of care in people with colorectal and breast cancer—a qualitative case study analysis. Eur J Cancer Care. 2008;17(6):569–77. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2354.2007.00891.x.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Cheung WY, Neville BA, Earle CC. Associations among cancer survivorship discussions, patient and physician expectations, and receipt of follow-up care. J Clin Oncol. 2010;28(15):2577–83. doi:10.1200/JCO.2009.26.4549.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Roorda C, de Bock GH, van der Veen WJ, Lindeman A, Jansen L, van der Meer K. Role of the general practitioner during the active breast cancer treatment phase: an analysis of health care use. Support Care Cancer. 2012;20(4):705–14. doi:10.1007/s00520-011-1133-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Brandenbarg D, Roorda C, Groenhof F, Havenga K, Berger MY, de Bock GH, et al. Increased primary health care use in the first year after colorectal cancer diagnosis. Scand J Prim Health Care. 2014;32(2):55–61. doi:10.3109/02813432.2014.929811.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  40. Gray RE, Goel V, Fitch MI, Franssen E, Labrecque M. Supportive care provided by physicians and nurses to women with breast cancer: results from a population-based survey. Support Care Cancer. 2002;10(8):647–52. doi:10.1007/s00520-002-0370-3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Roorda C, Berendsen AJ, Groenhof F, van der Meer K, de Bock GH. Increased primary healthcare utilisation among women with a history of breast cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2013;21(4):941–9. doi:10.1007/s00520-012-1609-2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Mao JJ, Bowman MA, Stricker CT, DeMichele A, Jacobs L, Chan D, et al. Delivery of survivorship care by primary care physicians: the perspective of breast cancer patients. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(6):933–8. doi:10.1200/JCO.2008.18.0679.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Aubin M, Vézina L, Verreault R, Fillion L, Hudon É, Lehmann F, et al. Patient, primary care physician and specialist expectations of primary care physician involvement in cancer care. J Gen Intern Med. 2012;27(1):8–15. doi:10.1007/s11606-011-1777-7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Hickner J, Kent S, Naragon P, Hunt L. Physicians’ and patients’ views of cancer care by family physicians: a report from the American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network. Fam Med. 2007;39(2):126.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Lundstrøm LH, Johnsen AT, Ross L, Petersen MA, Groenvold M. Cross-sectorial cooperation and supportive care in general practice: cancer patients’ experiences. Fam Pract. 2011;28(5):532–40. doi:10.1093/fampra/cmr011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Adams E, Boulton M, Rose P, Lund S, Richardson A, Wilson S, et al. Views of cancer care reviews in primary care: a qualitative study. Brit J Gen Pract J Roy Coll Gen Pract. 2011;61(585):173–82. doi:10.3399/bjgp11X567108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Cheung WY, Neville BA, Cameron DB, Cook EF, Earle CC. Comparisons of patient and physician expectations for cancer survivorship care. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(15):2489. doi:10.1200/JCO.2008.20.3232.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Hanks H, Veitch PC, Harris MF. A rural/urban comparison of the roles of the general practitioner in colorectal cancer management. Aust J Rural Health. 2008;16(6):376–82. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1584.2008.01019.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Brazil K, Sussman J, Bainbridge D, Whelan T. Who is responsible? The role of family physicians in the provision of supportive cancer care. J Oncol Pract. 2010;6(1):19–24. doi:10.1200/JOP.091060.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Anvik T, Holtedahl KA, Mikalsen H. When patients have cancer, they stop seeing me–the role of the general practitioner in early follow-up of patients with cancer—a qualitative study. BMC Fam Pract. 2006;7(1):19–. doi:10.1186/1471-2296-7-19.

  51. Hølge-Hazelton B, Christensen I. In a unique position or squeezed out? The professional roles of general practitioners in cancer care in general and of young adult cancer patients in particular. J Cancer Educ. 2009;24(4):326–30. doi:10.1080/08858190902997407.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Geelen E, Krumeich A, Schellevis FG, van den Akker M. General practitioners’ perceptions of their role in cancer follow-up care: a qualitative study in the Netherlands. Eur J Gen Pract. 2014;20(1):17–24. doi:10.3109/13814788.2013.805408.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Johansen M-L, Holtedahl KA, Rudebeck CE. A doctor close at hand: how GPs view their role in cancer care. Scand J Prim Health Care. 2010;28(4):249–55. doi:10.3109/02813432.2010.526792.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  54. Johansen M-L, Holtedahl KA, Davidsen AS, Rudebeck CE. ‘I deal with the small things’: the doctor–patient relationship and professional identity in GPs’ stories of cancer care. Health. 2012;16(6):569–84.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Rayman KM, Edwards J. Rural primary care providers’ perceptions of their role in the breast cancer care continuum. J Rural Health Offic J Am Rural Health Assoc Nat Rural Health Care Assoc. 2010;26(2):189–95. doi:10.1111/j.1748-0361.2010.00281.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Klabunde CN, Ambs A, Keating NL, He Y, Doucette WR, Tisnado D, et al. The role of primary care physicians in cancer care. J Gen Intern Med. 2009;24(9):1029–36. doi:10.1007/s11606-009-1058-x.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  57. Mahboubi A, Lejeune C, Coriat R, Binquet C, Bouvier A-M, Béjean S, et al. Which patients with colorectal cancer are followed up by general practitioners? A population-based study. Eur J Cancer Prev Offic J Eur Cancer Prevent Organ (ECP). 2007;16(6):535–41. doi:10.1097/CEJ.0b013e32801023a2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Demagny L, Holtedahl K, Bachimont J, Thorsen T, Letourmy A, Bungener M. General practitioners’ role in cancer care: a French-Norwegian study. BMC Res Note. 2009;2(1):200–. doi:10.1186/1756-0500-2-200.

  59. Watson E, O’Brien R, Campbell C, Weller D, Neal R, Wilkinson C, et al. Views of health professionals on the role of primary care in the follow-up of men with prostate cancer. Fam Pract. 2011;28(6):647–54. doi:10.1093/fampra/cmr034.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Klabunde CN, Han PKJ, Earle CC, Smith T, Ayanian JZ, Lee R, et al. Physician roles in the cancer-related follow-up care of cancer survivors. Fam Med. 2013;45(7):463.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  61. Bober SL, Recklitis CJ, Campbell EG, Park ER, Kutner JS, Najita JS, et al. Caring for cancer survivors: a survey of primary care physicians. Cancer. 2009;115(18 Suppl):4409.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Watson EK, Sugden EM, Rose PW. Views of primary care physicians and oncologists on cancer follow-up initiatives in primary care: an online survey. J Cancer Surviv. 2010;4(2):159–66. doi:10.1007/s11764-010-0117-y.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Dahlhaus A, Vanneman N, Guethlin C, Behrend J, Siebenhofer A. German general practitioners’ views on their involvement and role in cancer care: a qualitative study. Fam Pract. 2014;31(2):209.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Sada YH, Street JRL, Singh H, Shada RE, Naik AD. Primary care and communication in shared cancer care: a qualitative study. Am J Manag Care. 2011;17(4):259.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  65. Dahlhaus A, Vanneman N, Siebenhofer A, Brosche M, Guethlin C. Involvement of general practitioners in palliative cancer care: a qualitative study. Support Care Cancer. 2013;21(12):3293–300. doi:10.1007/s00520-013-1904-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Esteva Cantó M, Llobera Cánaves J, Miralles Xamena J, de Lluch Bauzá Amengual M. Management of terminal cancer patients: attitudes and training needs of primary health care doctors and nurses. Support Care Cancer. 2000;8(6):464–71. doi:10.1007/s005200000157.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Forsythe LP, Alfano CM, Leach CR, Ganz PA, Stefanek ME, Rowland JH. Who provides psychosocial follow-up care for post-treatment cancer survivors? A survey of medical oncologists and primary care physicians. J Clin Oncol. 2012;30(23):2897–905. doi:10.1200/JCO.2011.39.9832.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  68. Neilson SJ, Kai J, MacArthur C, Greenfield SM. Caring for children dying from cancer at home: a qualitative study of the experience of primary care practitioners. Fam Pract. 2011;28(5):545–53. doi:10.1093/fampra/cmr007.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Lizama N, Johnson CE, Ghosh M, Garg N, Emery JD, Saunders C. Keeping primary care “in the loop”: general practitioners want better communication with specialists and hospitals when caring for people diagnosed with cancer. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol. 2015;11(2):152–9. doi:10.1111/ajco.12327.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Giudice MED, Grunfeld E, Harvey BJ, Piliotis E, Verma S. Primary care physicians’ views of routine follow-up care of cancer survivors. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(20):3338. doi:10.1200/JCO.2008.20.4883.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Hewitt ME, Bamundo A, Day R, Harvey C. Perspectives on post-treatment cancer care: qualitative research with survivors, nurses, and physicians. J Clin Oncol. 2007;25(16):2270–3. doi:10.1200/JCO.2006.10.0826.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Kantsiper M, McDonald EL, Geller G, Shockney L, Snyder C, Wolff AC. Transitioning to breast cancer survivorship: perspectives of patients, cancer specialists, and primary care providers. J Gen Int Med. 2009;24 Suppl 2(S2):S459–66. doi:10.1007/s11606-009-1000-2.

  73. Cheung WY, Aziz N, Noone A-M, Rowland JH, Potosky AL, Ayanian JZ, et al. Physician preferences and attitudes regarding different models of cancer survivorship care: a comparison of primary care providers and oncologists. J Cancer Surviv. 2013;7(3):343–54. doi:10.1007/s11764-013-0281-y.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Johnson CE, Lizama N, Garg N, Ghosh M, Emery J, Saunders C. Australian general practitioners’ preferences for managing the care of people diagnosed with cancer. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol. 2014;10(2):e90–8. doi:10.1111/ajco.12047.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Ridic G, Gleason S, Ridic O. Comparisons of health care systems in the United States, Germany and Canada. Mater Soc Med. 2012;24(2):112. doi:10.5455/msm.2012.24.112-120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  76. Anell A, Willis M. International comparison of health care systems using resource profiles. Bull World Health Organ. 2000;78(6):770–8.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  77. Aubin M, Giguère A, Martin M, Verreault R, Fitch MI, Kazanjian A, et al. Interventions to improve continuity of care in the follow-up of patients with cancer. Cochrane Datab Syst Rev. 2012;7:CD007672.

  78. Howell D, Hack TF, Oliver TK, Chulak T, Mayo S, Aubin M, et al. Models of care for post-treatment follow-up of adult cancer survivors: a systematic review and quality appraisal of the evidence. J Cancer Surviv. 2012;6(4):359–71. doi:10.1007/s11764-012-0232-z.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Jefford M, Baravelli C, Dudgeon P, Dabscheck A, Evans M, Moloney M, et al. Tailored chemotherapy information faxed to general practitioners improves confidence in managing adverse effects and satisfaction with shared care: results from a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(14):2272–7. doi:10.1200/JCO.2007.14.7710.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Birgitta Johansson GBKHBGP-oS, Medicinska och farmaceutiska v, Uppsala u, Vårdvetenskap, Medicinska f, Institutionen för folkhälso- och v, et al. The role of the general practitioner in cancer care and the effect of an extended information routine. Scand J Prima health Care. 2000;18(3):143–8. doi:10.1080/028134300453331.

  81. Keesing S, McNamara B, Rosenwax L. Cancer survivors’ experiences of using survivorship care plans: a systematic review of qualitative studies. J Cancer Surviv. 2015;9(2):260–8. doi:10.1007/s11764-014-0407-x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Boekhout AH, Maunsell E, Pond GR, Julian JA, Coyle D, Levine MN, et al. A survivorship care plan for breast cancer survivors: extended results of a randomized clinical trial. J Cancer Surviv. 2015;9(4):683–91. doi:10.1007/s11764-015-0443-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Brennan ME, Gormally JF, Butow P, Boyle FM, Spillane AJ. Survivorship care plans in cancer: a systematic review of care plan outcomes. Br J Cancer. 2014;111(10):1899–908. doi:10.1038/bjc.2014.505.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  84. Nicolaije KAH, Ezendam NPM, Vos MC, Pijnenborg JMA, Boll D, Boss EA, et al. Impact of an automatically generated cancer survivorship care plan on patient-reported outcomes in routine clinical practice: longitudinal outcomes of a pragmatic, cluster randomized trial. J Clin Oncol Offic J Am Soc Clin Oncol. 2015;33(31):3550–9. doi:10.1200/JCO.2014.60.3399.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  85. Grunfeld E, Mant D, Yudkin P, Adewuyi-Dalton R, Cole D, Stewart J, et al. Routine follow up of breast cancer in primary care: randomised trial. BMJ Brit Med J. 1996;313(7058):665–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Hølge-Hazelton B, Blake-Gumbs L, Miedema B, van Rijswijk E. Primary care for young adult cancer survivors: an international perspective. Support Care Cancer. 2010;18(10):1359–63. doi:10.1007/s00520-010-0954-2.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  87. Cascinu S, Falconi M, Valentini V, Jelic S, Group EGW, On behalf of the EGWG. Pancreatic cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annal Oncol: Offic J Eur Soc Med Oncol / ESMO. 2010;21 Suppl 5(Supplement 5):v55–v8. doi:10.1093/annonc/mdq165.

  88. Colombo N, Preti E, Landoni F, Carinelli S, Colombo A, Marini C, et al. Endometrial cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annal Oncol Offic J Eur Soc Med Oncol / ESMO. 2013;24 Suppl 6:vi33.

  89. Senkus E, Kyriakides S, Penault-Llorca F, Poortmans P, Thompson A, Zackrisson S, et al. Primary breast cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annal Oncol Offic J Eur Soc Med Oncol / ESMO. 2013;24 Suppl 6:vi7.

  90. Waddell T, Verheij M, Allum W, Cunningham D, Cervantes A, Arnold D, et al. Gastric cancer: ESMO-ESSO-ESTRO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annal Oncol Offic J Eur Soc Med Oncol / ESMO. 2013;24 Suppl 6:vi57.

  91. Crinò L, Weder W, van Meerbeeck J, Felip E, Group EGW, On behalf of the EGWG. Early stage and locally advanced (non-metastatic) non-small-cell lung cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annal Oncol Offic J Eur Soc Med Oncol / ESMO. 2010;21 Suppl 5(Supplement 5):v103–v15. doi:10.1093/annonc/mdq207.

  92. Cardoso F, Harbeck N, Fallowfield L, Kyriakides S, Senkus E, Group EGW, et al. Locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annal Oncol Offic J Eur Soc Med Oncol / ESMO. 2012;23 Suppl 7(suppl 7):vii11–vii9. doi:10.1093/annonc/mds232.

  93. Resnick MJ, Lacchetti C, Bergman J, Hauke RJ, Hoffman KE, Kungel TM, et al. Prostate cancer survivorship care guideline: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline endorsement. J Clin Oncol Offic J Am Soc Clin Oncol. 2015;33(9):1078–85. doi:10.1200/JCO.2014.60.2557.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  94. Australia C. Follow-up care for women with early breast cancer: a guide for general practitioners 2010. Canberra: Australian Government; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  95. McIntosh HM, Neal RD, Rose P, Watson E, Wilkinson C, Weller D, et al. Follow-up care for men with prostate cancer and the role of primary care: a systematic review of international guidelines. Br J Cancer. 2009;100(12):1852–60. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605080.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  96. Leach CR, Weaver KE, Aziz NM, Alfano CM, Bellizzi KM, Kent EE, et al. The complex health profile of long-term cancer survivors: prevalence and predictors of comorbid conditions. J Cancer Surviv. 2015;9(2):239–51. doi:10.1007/s11764-014-0403-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Contributions

JAM and AM independently reviewed all manuscripts, and PCV and JHM adjudicated disagreements. JAM was responsible for data acquisition and takes responsibility for the integrity and the accuracy of the data. JAM drafted the manuscript, and all authors read and contributed to editing the manuscript for final submission.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Judith A. Meiklejohn.

Ethics declarations

Funding

This work was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (project no. 1044433). PCV was supported by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (Career Development Fellowship no. 1083090). Ross Bailie’s work is supported by an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (100100087). JA was supported by an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (no. FT140100195). There are no financial disclosures.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Meiklejohn, J.A., Mimery, A., Martin, J.H. et al. The role of the GP in follow-up cancer care: a systematic literature review. J Cancer Surviv 10, 990–1011 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-016-0545-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-016-0545-4

Keywords

Navigation