Why treating breast cancer with less may be more

Some therapies despite being convenient and less expensive, is associated with high cancer risks

 

Women with breast cancer have long faced complicated choices about the best course of treatment.

 

One particular concern has been the daily radiation therapy many women with breast cancer receive for six weeks after surgery. This form of therapy, also known as conventionally fractionated external beam radiation, has generally been recommended for most women undergoing breast conservation therapy. The goal has been to rid the body of any remaining cancerous cells that the surgeon’s tools could not remove.

Radiation, however, can be time-consuming and expensive for the patient and society. It also carries a small risk