Analysis of detection of breast cancer recurrences during intensive follow-up after treatment of primary breast cancer

Introduction: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the paradigm has evolved such that virtual breast cancer clinics and surveillance has dominated patient follow-up. Breast cancer patients are routinely followed up for years in surgical, medical oncology and radiation oncology clinics. However, controversies surround follow-up, and its value is uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess whether breast cancer recurrences presenting at our breast unit were detected clinically or radiologically and proportion of the recurrences detected during routine physical exam.