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Routine follow-up after treatment for a gynecological cancer: a survey of practice
  1. F. M. Kew* and
  2. D. J. Cruickshank
  1. *Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, United Kingdom
  2. Department of Gynaecological Oncology, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, United Kingdom
  1. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: F.M. Kew, MB ChB, MRCOG, NGOC, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sherriff Hill, Gateshead, United Kingdom NE9 6SX. Email: fiona.kew{at}ghnt.nhs.uk

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine current practice with regards to follow-up after gynecological malignancy. A questionnaire survey of all lead clinicians in gynecological cancer centers in England was done. The most common duration of routine follow-up was 5 years for all of the main gynecological cancers (ovarian, endometrial, vulval, and cervical). The most common follow-up patterns were three monthly for 2 years then six monthly for 3 years after ovarian cancer; three monthly for the first year, four monthly for the second year, six monthly for the third year then annually for 1 year after endometrial cancer; three monthly for the first year, four monthly for the second year, six monthly for the third and fourth years, then annually for 1 year after vulval cancer; three monthly for the first year, four monthly for the second year, six monthly for the third and fourth years, then annually for 1 year after cervical cancer. The test for CA125 was routinely performed by 67% of cancer networks to detect recurrence after ovarian cancer. Routine follow-up after gynecological cancer continues to be standard practice, despite limited evidence to support its use. Prospective research is needed to determine best practice.

  • follow-up
  • gynecological malignancy
  • survey

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