[Less intensive follow-up after cancer is often equally effective].

Abstract

Follow-up after cancer consists of regular check-ups, aimed at the early detection of recurrences, and aftercare. For most cancers, intensive follow-up strategies are recommended. However, for several cancer types, including breast and colorectal cancer, reducing the follow-up frequency has had no detrimental effects on outcomes such as survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.05; 95%-BI: 0.96-1.14) and patient satisfaction. In cancers with a favorable prognosis, less intensive follow-up is likely to be equally effective, and can be personalized to individual needs. To do so, current follow-up guidelines must be critically reevaluated, and the benefits of performing regular check-ups should be investigated.