RT Journal
A1 Gustafson DH, McTavish F, Hawkins R
T1 COmputer-based support systems for women with breast cancer—reply
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1999
FD April 14
VO 281
IS 14
SP 1268
OP 1269
DO 10-1001/pubs.JAMA-ISSN-0098-7484-281-14-jac90002
UL http://dx.doi.org/10-1001/pubs.JAMA-ISSN-0098-7484-281-14-jac90002
AB 
In Reply: We agree with Dr
Sheikh that the optimal time to provide CHESS to a woman diagnosed as
having breast cancer is as close to diagnosis as possible. One of the
main objectives of the Medicare feasibility study referred to by Sheikh
was to assess whether surgeons and oncologists in a 5-county region of
southwestern Wisconsin would offer CHESS to their Medicare patients
diagnosed as having breast cancer and whether Medicare patients would
use CHESS. As indicated in that report, the first hurdles (acceptance
of CHESS by physicians and patients) have been cleared.1
Sheikh is correct that future studies should ensure access to CHESS
soon after the diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed.