Breast Conserving Treatment Produces Better Outcomes: Study

Posted by Lewisville / Flower Mound Oncology on May 28th, 2017

As more women make the decision to err on the side of caution by opting against lumpectomies in favor of more invasive mastectomies, researchers say the move may not always be the wisest. In fact, breast conserving treatment options that involve the use of a lumpectomy followed by radiation are more likely to produce a positive outcome, researchers have found. What’s more, patients treated with breast conserving options have overall survival rates that are higher than the national average when stacked up against other treatments.

The study in question involved an analysis of more than 1,100 patients who were diagnosed with lower risk forms of breast cancer. The women in the study group did undergo lumpectomies at a higher rate than the national average. They also received radiation at a rate higher than the national average.

The most telling finding of the benefits of lumpectomy and radiation combined versus other options, researchers say, was the survival rates evident among the study group. Women who received breast conserving treatments had a 92.5 percent rate versus the national average survival rate of about 82 percent.

The study’s findings come at a time as more women, even with lower risk breast cancers, are opting to undergo mastectomies electively. Even when lumpectomies are indicated, the more extensive surgical procedure is selected out of fear cancer will return. Some women are even choosing to have the non-affect breast removed as a prophylactic measure. Prompted in part by what is called the “Angelina Jolie effect,” this trend toward more invasive treatment isn’t always in a woman’s best interest, many clinicians say. Opting for more intensive treatment than is strictly necessary opens the door for a higher rate of complication and exposes women to much greater treatment-related costs. As the study shows, it may also lower survival rates in the long run.

While mastectomies are not necessarily the best choice for women with low risk tumors, there are times when they may be indicated. Women who test positive for certain genetic mutations that may make them at higher risk for recurrence, may want to explore more intensive treatment options, many healthcare providers say. It is, however, important for women to understand the results of any genetic testing and consult closely with their doctors before moving forward with intense treatments.

It is estimated that more than 230,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the coming year. Women are strongly urged to talk with their doctors about treatment options. In some cases, less may prove to be more.

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Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group, a division of Choice Cancer Care – is an independently owned and operated oncology practice that is completely focused on unique, comprehensive patient care.