Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
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The aim of this study was to analyse the risk factors that predispose women to chronic symptoms related to the treatment of breast cancer. ⋯ Chronic pain was more common after breast-conserving surgery than after radical surgery. Surgical complications and postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy increased the risk of chronic pain and other symptoms. Modifications in the treatment protocol and preclusion of postoperative complications may be necessary in order to minimize chronic treatment-related symptoms.
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Medical oncology is a relatively new discipline whose rapid evolution is not paralleled by advances in the academic curricula. The present study was designed to provide a description of the status of post-graduate training programs in medical oncology in the European Union. ⋯ Our survey discloses a broad heterogeneity of academic attitude regarding medical oncology in the European Union and points to the need for recognition of this discipline as a specific and essential specialization.