The Role of Modern Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Radiotherapy alone is vastly inferior to surgery as a means of treatment for primary operable breast cancer. Standard radical mastectomy is recommended, followed in all instances by irradiation therapy; simple mastectomy plus irradiation may be indicated if a highly qualified radiotherapist is available, but the majority of the patients should have the radical operation. Castration either by surgical means or by irradiation is also recommended for young patients and even for those up to three years past the menopause.