Breast Cancer Care comments on calls for the revision of NICE guidelines on breast cancer

Comment on calls for the revision of NICE guidelines on breast cancer follow-up published in the British Medical Journal, Volume 335 pp 107-8

Anna Wood, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“Breast Cancer Care believes that there is too much inconsistency across the country in the way that NICE follow-up guidelines are interpreted. We regularly hear from women who believe they may not be receiving the highest levels of care, which can cause them great anxiety and confusion.

“More needs to be done to meet the psychological and emotional needs of patients to help them cope with living with cancer, with greater information about where to go with clinical concerns once the follow-up period has ended.

“If the length of hospital based follow up is reduced it will be necessary to provide more training for GPs in managing hormone therapy, which individuals can take for up to ten years, as well as increasing their awareness of the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer.

“Breast Cancer Care believes that these points should be included in the forthcoming NICE Clinical Guidance on Early Breast Cancer, and that once the guidance is agreed, it should be implemented consistently across the UK.

Ends

Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns can get free, confidential support and information from the Breast Cancer Care helpline on 0808 800 6000 or by visiting www.breastcancercare.org.uk

For further media information, please contact

Jon Wallace

0845 092 0807/0770 290 1334

jonw@breastcancercare.org.uk

Breast Cancer Care has been working for over 30 years to make a difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer. We provide accurate, easy to understand information as well as practical and emotional support. We are the only charity working across the UK to provide these services. Every year we reach over one million people through our website, helpline, publications, person to person support and health promoting activities, all of which are offered free. We are committed to campaigning for better treatment and support for people with breast cancer and their families.

Jon Wallace
PR officer

Breast Cancer Care

Tel: 0207 960 3463

Email: jonw@breastcancercare.org.uk

Website: www.breastcancercare.org.uk