Skipping radiation after lumpectomy at 65 or older (low-risk cancer)
More cancer returning in the breast, but the same survival.
What studies found
In the PRIME II trial of 1,326 women 65 or older with low-risk breast cancer up to 3 cm, cancer came back in the treated breast within 10 years in 9.5% of women without radiation and 0.9% with it. Overall survival did not differ. The American Cancer Society says women 65 or older with a fully removed tumor of 3 cm or less, clear lymph nodes and hormone receptor-positive cancer who will take hormone therapy may consider skipping radiation.
The catch
Skipping radiation raises the chance of the cancer coming back in the breast, which may then need more treatment.
What to do
If you're 65 or older with a small hormone-positive cancer, ask whether radiation is needed.
Sources
Rung 4 of 5, Strong: At least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer page.
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