Quality of follow-up of the cancer patient affecting outcome

Abstract

It has been traditional to follow up patients after surgery for primary colorectal cancer for approximately 5 years. The indications and rationale for this type of follow-up are early detection of recurrent disease while still at a presymptomatic stage, recognition of a metachronous tumor that might develop in the remaining large bowel, psychological support for the patient, and facilitation of audit to determine outcome in patients randomized into clinical trials. This article reviews the evidence supporting the benefits or otherwise careful follow-up following surgery for colorectal cancer. A possible surveillance regimen involving liver scanning is suggested.