Breast cancer treatment—current status

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The current treatment of choice for breast cancer is mastectomy, as discussed in parts 1 and 2 of this four-article seminar (pages 126 and 139). In part 3, Dr Wilson explores one of the most exciting developments in treatment of early disease—the non-mutilating alternative of simple excision of the lump followed by definitive irradiation. This still-investigational therapy is already viewed as a panacea by women with breast cancer, but unfortunately, not everyone is a suitable candidate. The fourth article (page 161) completes the discussion with an overview of adjuvant therapies for early and late disease.