Table 4 Summary of the research question

Problem:

Women treated for breast cancer are followed-up for monitoring treatment effectiveness and for detecting recurrences at an early stage, but the frequency of follow-up is under discussion.

Background:

Women treated for breast cancer are followed up for monitoring treatment effectiveness and for detecting recurrences at an early stage. Follow-up includes clinical and test examinations like routine haematological and liver function tests, tumour markers, chest X-ray, mammography, bone and liver scans. There is variability in the frequency of medical visits and the tests performed.

Option:

Intensive follow-up.

Comparison:

Non-intensive follow-up.

Main outcomes:

1. 10-year mortality due to breast cancer.

2. 5-year mortality due to breast cancer.

3. 5 (or 10)-year breast cancer specific survival.

4. 10-year breast cancer recurrences (loco-regional and distant separately).

5. 5-year breast cancer recurrences (logo-regional and distant separately).

6. Quality of life of breast cancer patients 2 (or 5) years after diagnosis.

7. Patient satisfaction with follow-up.

Setting:

Breast cancer centres/other healthcare services.

Perspective:

Population.