Think Pinker

For many after their first bout with breast cancer, they never find themselves yet again diagnosed with breast cancer. However, for some that’s simply not the outcome.

According to Reuters Health if your breast cancer returns it is critical that you opt for a mastectomy and not a lumpectomy for the highest survival rates. Yet according to a recent study done by the University of California around 25% of women receive another lumpectomy. It’s believed this is more the result of the patient being asked what they prefer for a treatment than a treatment based on science.

Sadly if a person does not know that there is a significant difference in the outcomes between the two treatments, many will opt for another lumpectomy and as a result risk shortening their lives significantly.

According to a study in the American Journal of Surgery 747 women with the same type of reoccurring breast cancer were followed. 24% underwent a lumpectomy, while 76% underwent a mastectomy. Sadly the lumpectomy reduced survival by 50%.

The problem is if women don’t understand the consequences of their decision to undergo a lumpectomy they could in fact be signing their own death certificate. But why aren’t Doctor’s informing their patience of this significant increased risk. It’s likely that many doctor’s aren’t even aware of the increased risk, yet every Oncologist should be so it appears there is a breakdown in communication.

Oncologists might be assuming patients know the risks associated with each treatment. Other’s may personally feel there is no difference in risk, while the lumpectomy is far less invasive. The message here – before you choose any treatment for your breast cancer know the risks and the benefits and always look out for yourself.