Telehealth Linked to Better Breast Cancer Treatment Adherence, Study Finds

Staying connected with healthcare providers remotely may significantly improve treatment adherence for breast cancer survivors, according to a recent study from the University of Georgia published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship. The research suggests that telehealth isn’t just a convenient option, but a potentially vital tool in ensuring women continue to receive necessary care after initial treatment for breast cancer.

Following chemotherapy and surgery, many breast cancer survivors are prescribed oral endocrine therapy – medications taken for several years to reduce the risk of the disease returning. However, maintaining adherence to these therapies can be challenging due to side effects, which can include fertility issues and diminished quality of life, particularly for younger women. The University of Georgia study found that women who utilized telehealth services were 58% more likely to continue their prescribed treatment plan.

How Telehealth Supports Treatment Continuity

The study, which analyzed data from over 1,100 women diagnosed with breast cancer since 2018, tracked their healthcare journeys over five years. Researchers found that telehealth helps overcome common barriers to care, including transportation difficulties and logistical hurdles. More frequent and accessible follow-up appointments, coupled with improved management of treatment side effects, appear to be key factors in this increased adherence. Lorenzo Villa-Zapata, co-author of the study and an assistant professor at the UGA College of Pharmacy, explained that telehealth allows providers to directly address concerns about medication adherence and any challenges patients are facing. “If you’re a telehealth provider, you can ask if the patient has been taking their medication and if there are any issues they’re facing,” he said.

This finding aligns with broader research demonstrating the value of telehealth in various medical specialties. A study on cardiovascular health, for example, showed telehealth as a valuable option for patients needing ongoing care. The convenience and accessibility of remote visits can be particularly beneficial for individuals managing chronic conditions.

Urban vs. Rural Access and Regional Trends

The study also revealed disparities in telehealth utilization based on geographic location. Women in urban areas were significantly more likely to use telehealth services compared to their rural counterparts. Researchers suggest this difference may be linked to easier access to reliable internet and reduced transportation concerns. “Urban patients are likely trying to avoid traffic,” Villa-Zapata noted, “They’re willing to just get a phone or video call from a provider rather than to drive to the office.”

Regional variations were also observed, with women in the Western United States demonstrating the highest rates of telehealth use. This could reflect differences in broadband access, healthcare infrastructure, and patient-provider preferences. Further research is exploring these factors to better understand the nuances of telehealth adoption across different populations.

The Cost Factor: A Potential Barrier

Despite the benefits, the study highlighted a potential drawback to telehealth: increased out-of-pocket costs. Patients who used telehealth services paid 15% more compared to those who did not. This cost difference may be attributed to patients with multiple chronic health conditions utilizing telehealth more frequently, or potentially to variations in insurance coverage and reimbursement policies. Villa-Zapata emphasized that insurance reimbursement for telehealth services remains a contentious issue. “If the service is not reimbursed, people are not going to use it,” he stated.

This financial consideration underscores the importance of equitable access to telehealth. The study’s findings suggest that expanding insurance coverage and addressing affordability concerns are crucial steps in maximizing the benefits of telehealth for breast cancer survivors.

Addressing Barriers to Wider Adoption

Researchers identified two key areas for improvement to broaden telehealth access: increasing technology access, particularly in rural regions with limited internet connectivity, and ensuring consistent insurance reimbursement for telehealth services. Shaimaa Elshafie, lead author of the study and a recent doctoral graduate from the UGA College of Pharmacy, emphasized the need to understand patient perceptions of telehealth. “One of the things we started doing is collecting patient perceptions about telehealth to identify determinants of telehealth utilization, what benefits they perceive and what barriers they may experience,” she said.

Expanding broadband access and ensuring adequate insurance coverage are seen as vital steps toward making telehealth a more accessible and effective tool for supporting breast cancer survivors in their long-term care. By addressing these challenges, healthcare providers and policymakers can help more women adhere to their treatment plans and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

The study analyzed data from the Merative MarketScan database, encompassing data from more than 1,100 women under the age of 65 diagnosed with breast cancer since 2018. Over the five-year study period, 77% of patients utilized telehealth services, totaling 8,350 visits. The full study, “Association of telehealth use with endocrine therapy adherence, metastasis incidence and healthcare costs in breast cancer: A claims-based cohort study,” was published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship and is available here.

Looking ahead, continued research is needed to further refine our understanding of the optimal use of telehealth in breast cancer care. This includes investigating the most effective telehealth modalities for different patient populations and exploring strategies to mitigate potential cost barriers. Ongoing monitoring of telehealth utilization and patient outcomes will be essential to inform future policy decisions and ensure that this valuable tool is accessible to all who could benefit.