Breast cancer follow up; Is routine mammography indicated?

Abstract Aim This paper aims to review the outcome from yearly mammography in detecting breast cancer recurrence and new primary tumours in patients with a history of breast cancer. Methods From 2014, following treatment for breast cancer, patients were enrolled in a program of self-directed aftercare (SDA). They were given open access to the Breast service. Regular planned appointments were not offered. All patients underwent annual mammography for 5 years. Retrospective analysis of the SDA database from 2014 to 2016 was undertaken, time to and mechanism of detection of breast cancer recurrence in this population was determined. Results 352 patient records were analysed (1760 mammograms), 29 recurrences were identified. 12 locoregional, 12 systemic, 5 locoregional and systemic. Median time to diagnosis of recurrence was 30 months. Locoregional recurrence was detected by surveillance mammography (4 patients), clinical examination following patient request (7 patients), non-breast radiological investigation (5), by non-breast cancer care Doctors (1). No contralateral cancers were detected in patients who had mastectomy or WLE. Conclusion Despite limited evidence for regular clinical assessment post breast cancer treatment, the practice remains recommended. In this study regular clinical review was replaced by open access. Annual mammography was retained. Mammographic value out-with detection of malignancy (new/recurrent) was not assessed. The number of tumours detected (4 out of 1760 mammograms) would suggest that non-stratified routine mammography is of limited value for most patients. Further study is required to determine the risk or value and the cost/benefit analysis of mammographic follow up of breast cancer.