Caring for the Breast Cancer Survivor: A Guide for Primary Care Physicians
Abstract
Breast cancer accounts for more than 25% of cancers in women. Because of improved screening and treatment modalities, mortality has decreased significantly. Currently, over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors live in the US and receive care from a primary care provider. Providers need to be aware of common and serious complications of breast cancer treatment. In this review we discuss complications of local and systemic treatment for breast cancer, including lymphedema, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and vasomotor symptoms. Current strategies for screening, monitoring, and treating these complications also are outlined.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Review, Survivorship
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Funding: None.
Conflict of Interest: Drs. Downey and Stopeck have received honoraria and clinical trial support from multiple pharmaceutical companies involved in breast cancer treatment, including Novartis and AstraZeneca.
Authorship: All authors meet the criteria for authorship, including acceptance of responsibility for the scientific concept of the manuscript.
PII: S0002-9343(10)00127-0
doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.09.042
© 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.
