Lumpectomy plus Radiotherapy as effective as Bilateral Mastectomy

Disadvantages of a bilateral mastectomy compared to a lumpectomy include a longer recovery time and a higher risk of complications.

Bilateral mastectomy does not increase breast cancer survival chances – when compared to breast-conserving surgery plus radiation, the Daily Mail, Guardian, Independent and Mirror reported yesterday.

The news is based on the results of a large US cohort study of women with early stage breast cancer in one breast.

The study found that the 10-year mortality benefit associated with double mastectomy was the same as breast-conserving surgery (also known as lumpectomy, where the cancer and a border of healthy tissue is removed) plus radiotherapy.

Unilateral mastectomy (removal of the affected breast only) was associated with higher mortality than were the other 2 surgical options, although the absolute difference was only 4%.

Sources and More Information:

• Lumpectomy as effective as double mastectomy, NHS Choices, Cancer, September 3 2014.
• Use of and Mortality After Bilateral Mastectomy Compared With Other Surgical Treatments for Breast Cancer in California, 1998-2011, JAMA. 1900512 2014;312(9):902-914. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.10707.