Virtual consultations may help breast cancer survivors remain on long-term treatment, according to new research from the University of Georgia. The study found that patients who used telehealth services were significantly more likely to adhere to prescribed endocrine therapy.
After chemotherapy and surgery, many breast cancer survivors are prescribed oral endocrine therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. These medications must often be taken daily for several years. However, adherence can be difficult, particularly for younger patients, due to side effects such as fertility concerns and other quality-of-life impacts.
Telehealth linked to higher adherence
The researchers found that women who used telehealth services were 58 percent more likely to follow their treatment plan compared with those who did not use virtual care. According to the study authors, telehealth may help patients overcome common barriers to care, including travel constraints, scheduling challenges and limited access to specialists.
“The idea is to use telehealth to reinforce how important it is to keep taking these medications if you want to avoid a recurrence of your cancer or to have a metastasis,” said Lorenzo Villa-Zapata, assistant professor at the UGA College of Pharmacy and co-author of the study. Through virtual consultations, clinicians can regularly check whether patients are taking their medication and discuss any side effects or practical difficulties.
Urban patients use telehealth more often
The study, published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship, analysed data from the Merative MarketScan database, covering more than 1,100 women under the age of 65 who had been diagnosed with breast cancer since 2018. Over a five-year period, 77 percent of participants used telehealth services, accounting for more than 8,300 virtual visits.
Usage patterns varied geographically. Women living in urban areas were more likely to use telehealth compared with those in rural regions. According to the researchers, factors such as transportation challenges, internet access and local healthcare infrastructure may influence adoption. Patients in the western United States were also more likely to use telehealth than those in other regions.
Higher out-of-pocket costs
Despite its benefits, telehealth use was associated with higher out-of-pocket costs. Patients who used virtual care paid on average 15 percent more than those who did not. Researchers suggest that this may partly reflect the fact that patients with multiple chronic conditions often rely more heavily on telehealth services. Nevertheless, cost remains a potential barrier.
“Reimbursement from insurance to cover the cost of telehealth has been a controversial issue recently,” Villa-Zapata noted. “If the service is not reimbursed, people are not going to use it.”
Policy and infrastructure challenges
The researchers emphasise that expanding broadband access and ensuring adequate insurance reimbursement could increase the benefits of telehealth, particularly in rural areas where technology access may be limited.
Lead author Shaimaa Elshafie said the team is also studying patients’ perceptions of telehealth to better understand factors influencing its use. By improving access to virtual care, the researchers believe more patients could maintain their treatment regimens and reduce the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence.
