Abstract:

Objective

To evaluate the role of the Case Caring Management Model in the follow-up rate of breast cancer patients.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the data of 273 breast cancer patients confirmed pathologically and treated in our hospital from August 2008 to April 2010. Among them 132 patients were not managed with the Case Caring Management Model (group A) and 141 managed with the Case Caring Management Model(group B). All patients were asked to go back to the hospital for reexamination, the first scheduled 3-month-post-primary-treatment check-ups 3 months after the patients completed the first operation treatment and/or chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Comparison of the valid follow-up rates between the two groups was done. Statistical analysis of the data of the two groups was performed using chi-square test and rank sum test.

Results

The valid follow-up rate was 78.79% (104/132)in group A and 91. 49% (129/141) in group B. The valid follow-up rate was raised by 12. 70% in group B compared with group A (P=0. 003).

Conclusions

The application of the Case Caring Management Model for breast cancer patients can raise the valid follow-up rate, which is very important for early detection and management of local recurrence and/ or metastasis.

Key words: breast neoplasms, Case Caring Management Model, follow-up rate