If Breast Cancer Recurs Get Mastectomy

If Breast Cancer Recurs, Get Mastectomy

Lumpectomy is now far more common than mastectomy to treat breast cancer.  However, lumpectomy should not be chosen when breast cancer recurs.  A new study shows that there is a much greater risk of death when a lumpectomy is performed to treat a recurrence than when a mastectomy is chosen.  Women should be informed of this fact. Women are choosing breast preserving surgery but they should not do so when cancer recurs.