Mayo Clinic Study Shows More Women Are Choosing Mastectomies

Tools

Mayo Clinic Study Shows More Women Are Choosing Mastectomies

By KBJR News 1

Story Published: May 16, 2008 at 8:59 AM CST

Story Updated: May 16, 2008 at 8:59 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.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Northland's NewsCenter: News, Weather, Sports and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

More Good Stuff

Weather

Icon
Current Temp 42.0 °F
Fair
Wind : West at 5.8 MPH (5 KT)
Humidity : 45 %
Pressure : 1013.5 mb
More Weather

On Demand

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Stock Quotes
Local Business Dir