(HealthDay News) — New guidelines have been developed for clinical follow-up care for prostate cancer survivors. The guidelines were published online June 10 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Ted A. Skolarus, MD, MPH, from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and colleagues developed clinical follow-up care guidelines for prostate cancer survivors for the American Cancer Society. The guidelines were based on a synthesis of evidence and expert consensus, and referenced existing guidelines for health promotion, surveillance, and screening for secondary primary cancers.
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In an effort to promote comprehensive follow-up, the guidelines address issues related to health promotion, surveillance for recurrence, screening for secondary primary cancers, long-term and late effects of assessment and management, and psychosocial issues. They also address care coordination among the oncology team, primary care clinicians, and non-oncology specialists.
The recommendations include guidance for primary care physicians such as provision of regular lifestyle evaluations, education about physical activity, and assessment for tobacco use and provision of cessation counseling.
Early identification, treatment, and assessment for psychological distress, which can affect 30% of survivors, is also included as an important aspect of follow-up care.
“We are hopeful that the hard work that went into the development of these much-needed guidelines will pay off in improved care for the approximately 240,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year,” a coauthor said in a statement.
Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.
