Mayo Clinic Study Shows More Women Are Choosing Mastectomies

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By KBJR News 1

Story Published: May 16, 2008 at 9:59 AM CST

Story Updated: May 16, 2008 at 9:59 AM CST

Doctors are reporting that a growing number of women with early stage breast cancer seem to be choosing to have the whole breast removed instead of just the cancerous lump.

Mastectomies were standard treatment until 1990, when studies
suggested women whose cancers were small did just as well if they
had less radical surgery followed by radiation.

That set a trend of more women choosing breast-conserving treatment.

Now, a study of about 5,500 women at the Mayo Clinic in
Rochester, Minnesota suggests mastectomies are on the rise.

According to the study, only 30% chose mastectomies in 2003.

By 2006, 43% were opting for the more radical treatment.

A cancer specialist says it's not clear why, but it may be
because newer tests are flagging so many suspicious spots that
women want the breast removed for peace of mind.