Added Radiation May Help Some With Early Breast Cancer
Added Radiation May Help Some With Early Breast Cancer
Studies found it lowered chances of recurrence, but did not boost overall survival
For now, Morrow said she thinks the presence of cancer cells in one to three lymph nodes is not enough to justify the extra radiation.
Other factors, such as the size and aggressiveness of a woman's cancer, should also come into play, she suggested.
In the real world, doctors are already offering node radiation to women like those in the studies.
Morrow suggested that those women ask some questions: "Ask your doctor why you're a candidate," she said. "Ask about the expected benefits, and ask about the side effects."
Added Radiation Helpful for Early Breast Cancer?
Studies found it lowered chances of recurrence, but did not boost overall survival
For now, Morrow said she thinks the presence of cancer cells in one to three lymph nodes is not enough to justify the extra radiation.
Other factors, such as the size and aggressiveness of a woman's cancer, should also come into play, she suggested.
In the real world, doctors are already offering node radiation to women like those in the studies.
Morrow suggested that those women ask some questions: "Ask your doctor why you're a candidate," she said. "Ask about the expected benefits, and ask about the side effects."
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