Editorial

Regarding the “Rising Incidence of Tumorectomies without Breast Radiation in Patients Treated for Invasive Breast Cancer in Caribbean Nations”

Authors: Jonathan F. Head, PhD, HCLD

Abstract

The paper by Braverman et al1 reports on the rapid increase in tumorectomies (breast conserving surgery) without adequate supply of radiation therapy facilities in the Caribbean nations and the resulting high rate of local recurrence in breast cancer. Whereas in the United States 88% of patients receive radiation therapy after breast conserving surgery, only 18% of the patients receiving breast conserving surgery in this study from the Caribbean nations had radiation therapy, and 70% had local recurrence at a median follow up of eight months.

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References

1. Braverman AS, Bristol D, Palanisamy N, et al. The rising incidence of tumorectomies without breast radiation in patients treated for invasive breast cancer in Caribbean nations. South Med J 2010;103;307–310.