According to a new study by the National Cancer Research Institute, hours of time and thousands of pounds are being wasted as specialist doctors fail to transfer patient's records and care back to GP doctors.
Writing in the "Annals Of Oncology", by Dr Peter Donnelly, concluded that the majority of hospitals were even failing to practice follow-up care. The disorganization leaves former cancer sufferers unaware of the necessary care they need once they are in remission. Some are still attending hospitals up to ten years after they were released.
Dr Donnelly said that only nine per cent of specialist doctors have a plan that correlates with National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
He explained, "This study shows that the NICE recommendations are not considered safe or acceptable by specialists, and that the majority of clinics are in breach of these guidelines. It is a concern that breast cancer follow-up is becoming so devalued and de-regulated that it puts the UK's National Cancer Plan under threat by providing neither the psychological support that patients need, nor the reliable data on which to base treatment plans."
The study concluded, "Breast cancer follow-up is becoming so devalued and deregulated it puts the National Cancer Plan under threat by providing neither the psychological support patients need nor the reliable data on which to base treatment plans which ensure low mortality and prolonged disease-free survival."
