$Unique_ID{BRK00081}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Latest Developments in the Fight Against Breast Cancer}
$Subject{cancers research surgery breasts special procedure procedures Breast
Cancer neoplasm neoplasms lumpectomy radical mastectomy lumpectomies
mastectomies tumor radiotherapy chemotherapy tumors}
$Volume{P-19, B-19}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Female Chest*0005301.scf
Simple Mastectomy*0005302.scf
Standard Radical Mastectomy*0005304.scf
Modified Radical Mastectomy*0005303.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Latest Developments in the Fight Against Breast Cancer


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QUESTION:  What are the latest developments in the fight against breast
cancer?  Is there any good news in recent research?

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ANSWER:  The most reassuring news in the fight against breast cancer is that
surgeons are more and more willing to undertake a lumpectomy rather than a
radical mastectomy (which removes the breast and underlying muscles as well)
in the treatment of this disease.  These lumpectomies (also called partial
mastectomy, segmented mastectomy) give highly satisfactory cosmetic results
without sacrificing tumor control or survival.  Past research indicates that
the survival rate is equal in conservative surgery as in radical mastectomy.
Of crucial importance in this conservative approach is the follow-up care with
radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
     One of the most important trials in the United States was the National
Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project (NSABP), which began testing in 1976,
comparing mastectomy with segmented mastectomy with or without follow-up
radiotherapy.  In all the partial mastectomies performed, the tumor was
removed and only enough tissue surrounding it to ensure that the area was
tumor free.  An update of this 1976 trial is very heartening:  of the patients
who received radiotherapy after partial mastectomy, only seven percent showed
recurrence in a five-year period, whereas 32 percent had recurrence who did
not receive radiotherapy.  This study also suggests that the coupling of
radiotherapy with chemotherapy is very effective in preventing recurrence
after lumpectomy.
     The cosmetic results after conservative surgery and radiotherapy are
usually good to excellent.  Prime candidates for this approach are those in
whom the tumor can be removed without major deformation of the breast.  Post
surgical checkups using mammography has shown that the likelihood of
recurrence in these patients to be very low indeed.  So the latest and best
news is that less of the breast must be removed in controlling cancer.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.