Mastectomy Not First Choice for Most Breast Cancer Patients

Related Encyclopedia • Adenocarcinoma of the Lung and Brain Metastases • Amenorrhea • Amniocentesis • Amniocentesis and CVS More... Related Healthscout Videos Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Do More Than Arouse Saving Kids' Eyes: Retinoblastoma Herpes Kills Cancer How Do I Find a Good Bra Post-Mastectomy? More... Related Animations • Breast Reduction • Breast Self-Exam Video • Colon Cancer • Erectile Dysfunction More... Related Drug Information • Actonel • Detrol LA • Diflucan • Ditropan XL More... Related News Articles • Absent Father Might Mean Earlier Puberty for Higher-Income Girls • Lack of Sleep During Pregnancy Ups Risk of High Blood Pressure • Moderate Alcohol Use Helps Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death: Study • New Clues to Treating Ovarian Cancer Relapse More...

Page:  << Prev | 1 | 2

Most of the women -- 75 percent -- chose breast-conserving surgery initially. According to Morrow, some women who chose breast-conserving surgery eventually had a mastectomy, and these were typically women with larger, stage 2 tumors. The choice did not appear to be affected by race, education or where a woman was treated, Morrow noted.

Of those who initially underwent mastectomy, many could identify the reason that mastectomy was the best option for them, suggesting that it was something discussed in detail with their doctor.

Almost 9 percent of the women chose to have a mastectomy because of personal preference.

Text Continues Below

---

Nearly one in five women sought a second opinion, and women with higher education levels were more likely to do so. But, regardless of education level, the researchers found that getting a second opinion was rarely a deciding factor in choosing the type of treatment.

"Most of the time, a second opinion didn't make a difference in the recommendations that a woman is offered," she said. "So if you feel comfortable with your surgeon, don't feel obligated to seek a second opinion."

Additional surgery was required in about 38 percent of women who first underwent a lumpectomy, according to the survey.

"This study addresses the concern that mastectomy is overused, and I really don't think it's being overused," said Dr. Nora Jaskowiak, an associate professor of surgery and the surgical head of the University of Chicago Breast Center. "Surgeons definitely try to save as many breasts as is reasonable to do."

"Patients and surgeons can discuss the options, and together they will make the best decision for that woman," she said.

More information

The U.S. National Research Center for Women and Families has more about surgical options for early-stage breast cancer.

Page:  << Prev | 1 | 2