Health promotion after breast cancer treatment.

Abstract

e21586 Background: With significant advances in breast cancer (BC) treatment and improvements in long-term survival, high-quality, coordinated survivorship care is important. Methods: In this retrospective study of patients who were diagnosed with BC (Stages 0 to 3) in 2012 and had > 1 year of follow-up within our network (mean follow-up 3.2 yrs), we analyzed BMI trends and compliance with age appropriate health measures. One-sample t-test was used to compare average BMI at diagnosis and year 3. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Of 643 patients studied, 99.5% were female, 83% were Caucasian, and 27% were ≤ 50 years of age at diagnosis (mean age 59 yrs). 17% had DCIS and 83% had invasive cancer (Stage I – 40%, II – 33%, III- 10%). 40% had a BMI > 30 Kg/m2. BC Surveillance: 89.4% of patients with residual breast tissue or tissue flaps had surveillance mammograms during 3 years of follow-up (Year 1 - 90.0%, 2 - 89.8%, 3 - 88.3%), in compliance with current guidelines. Weight management: There was a statistically significant increase in BMI from diagnosis to year-3. This trend was consistent across different age, race, and baseline BMI groups (See Table). Colon cancer screening: 49% of eligible patients had completed age appropriate screening colonoscopies either prior to diagnosis or during the course of follow-up. Bone health: Among patients who were on aromatase inhibitors, 76% had a documented DEXA scan. Vaccination: Vaccine coverage for eligible patients was low – 63% for pneumococcal, 38% for herpes zoster, and 30% for annual influenza vaccines. Conclusions: While compliance with BC surveillance is high among patients following treatment for BC, adherence to many other important health maintenance practices is low. Renewed focus on these measures, such as weight management, bone health, vaccination and screening for other cancers, represents an important opportunity to improve not only cancer-related outcomes but also the overall health and well-being of BC survivors. [Table: see text]