Updated 15 June 2007
Patients should be reminded that it is their responsibility to keep their recommended follow-up appointments. The objectives of the follow-up visits are as follows:
- To determine the patient's immediate response to the treatment employed
- Early recognition and prompt management of treatment related complications
- Early detection of persistent or recurrent disease
- Collection of meaningful data regarding the efficacy of existing treatment policies and their complications so that any appropriate modifications can be instituted
These objectives are best met by having the initial follow-up examination performed by the Agency medical staff. When appropriate, arrangements will be made for follow-up by the referring physician.
| Year 1 |
every 3 months |
| Year 2-3 |
every 4 months |
| Years 4-5 |
every 6 months |
| Years 5+ |
annually |
Note: follow-up consists of general exam, pelvic exam and pelvic-rectal exam. Annual Pap smear screening is not required in women who have undergone a hysterectomy as part of their treatment. Women who have not had a hysterectomy should have cervical screening as per BCCA recommendations.
Other investigations, such as tumor markers, are not required other than for the satisfaction of research protocol, and for specific indications when they arise.