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Practice Point
Referral of patients with breast symptoms or suspicious masses during follow-up
Patients who have undergone treatment for breast cancer and are found to have breast symptoms, signs, or imaging results suggestive of a breast cancer recurrence during follow-up should be rapidly referred to a specialist for further assessment.
Patients with suspicious masses or symptoms should be referred to a surgeon for examination and further workup
How this guidance was developed
No evidence-based source recommendation was identified for this topic, which was considered an important aspect of care. This practice point was developed using an expert consensus process. The practice point was informed by the evidence-based recommendation in the Alberta Breast Reconstruction Working Group 2014 guidelines (Canada) for patients who have undergone a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. ‘Specialist’ was preferred to encompass breast physicians as well as surgeons. ‘Rapidly’ was added to reflect rapid re-access for patients in a shared care arrangement, as per the Optimal care pathway for patients with breast cancer.
Referral of patients with breast symptoms or suspicious masses during follow-up
Practice Point
Patients who have undergone treatment for breast cancer and are found to have breast symptoms, signs, or imaging results suggestive of a breast cancer recurrence during follow-up should be rapidly referred to a specialist for further assessment.
Principles in action
Safe and quality care
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Multidisciplinary care
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Supportive care
No evidence-based source recommendation was identified for this topic, which was considered an important aspect of care. This practice point was developed using an expert consensus process. The practice point was informed by the evidence-based recommendation in the Alberta Breast Reconstruction Working Group 2014 guidelines (Canada) for patients who have undergone a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. ‘Specialist’ was preferred to encompass breast physicians as well as surgeons. ‘Rapidly’ was added to reflect rapid re-access for patients in a shared care arrangement, as per the Optimal care pathway for patients with breast cancer.