Patient Follow-Up Compliance in Testicular Cancer Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): B.J. Young, B.D. Bultz, J.A. Russell, M.S. Trew
Primary Institution: Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary
Hypothesis
Patients treated for non-seminomatous testicular cancer by surgery alone are less compliant with follow-up than those treated with chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Patients treated with surgery alone are less compliant with follow-up appointments compared to those treated with chemotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- 57% of chemotherapy patients were 100% compliant with appointments.
- None of the surgery only group were 100% compliant.
- Patients treated with chemotherapy kept 92.8% of their appointments.
Takeaway
Some patients who had surgery for testicular cancer don't go to their follow-up doctor visits as often as those who had chemotherapy, which is important for their health.
Methodology
The study involved a chart review of 25 patients and a questionnaire completed by 27 patients regarding their follow-up compliance and beliefs about their illness.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient perceptions of disease severity and follow-up necessity.
Limitations
The small sample sizes limit the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Adult patients with non-seminomatous testicular cancer treated at a single center.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.0021
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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