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Breast Cancer Survivorship: Why, What and When?

  • Breast Oncology
  • Published:
Annals of Surgical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Survivorship medicine is fairly new in the realm of oncology. As we broaden our focus from treatment and prevention to include survivorship there is substantial opportunity to enhance the care of the patient. Important in successful management of recovery after cancer treatment is managing the side effects of therapy and improving quality of life. This ranges from sexual dysfunction, depression to lymphedema. Guideline-based surveillance after treatment with clear communication of care plans to the patient and their providers, especially primary care, is paramount. Thoughtful pre-surgical treatment planning, which may include neoadjuvant approaches or consideration of fertility preservation, results in superior long-term patient outcomes. Understanding the importance of the teachable moment in effecting behavioral and lifestyle changes that reduce risk of recurrence is also an essential component of excellent cancer survivor patient care. We identified the following areas for focus as they represent the key areas for accreditation and patient driven needs. Development of survivorship plans, post treatment surveillance, sexuality and fertility preservation, lymphedema management and risk reduction lifestyle and behavioral changes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Women and Infants’ Hospital, Breast Health Center, Providence, RI, USA

    Jennifer Gass MD

  2. Surgery, Holy Redeemer Hospital and Medical Center, Meadowbrook, PA, USA

    Beth Dupree MD

  3. Mayo Clinic, Breast Diagnostic Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Sandhya Pruthi MD

  4. Mercy Clinic Breast Surgery, Clarkson Valley, MO, USA

    Diane Radford MD

  5. Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA

    Irene Wapnir MD

  6. Legacy Health System, Portland, OR, USA

    Reza Antoszewska ANP-C

  7. Urogynecology, Legacy Health System, Portland, OR, USA

    Audrey Curtis MD

  8. Cancer Institute, Legacy Health System, Portland, OR, USA

    Nathalie Johnson MD

Authors
  1. Jennifer Gass MD
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  2. Beth Dupree MD
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  3. Sandhya Pruthi MD
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  4. Diane Radford MD
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  5. Irene Wapnir MD
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  6. Reza Antoszewska ANP-C
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  7. Audrey Curtis MD
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  8. Nathalie Johnson MD
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Correspondence to Jennifer Gass MD.

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Gass, J., Dupree, B., Pruthi, S. et al. Breast Cancer Survivorship: Why, What and When?. Ann Surg Oncol 23, 3162–3167 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-016-5403-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-016-5403-0

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