Jewells woman Louise Frankiewicz found that "less is more" when it came to treating her breast cancer . Login or signup to continue reading She had surgery to remove a lump from her breast seven years ago and didn't need further treatment. "It was very early grade cancer," Ms Frankiewicz said.
She shared her story to highlight that Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials will host a free online question and answer session on Wednesday evening. ABC broadcaster Annabel Crabb will host a panel of experts, including a professor who heads clinical trials, a researcher, oncologist, psychologist and patient. They will be discussing why "less can be more" when it comes to breast cancer treatment.
A Breast Cancer Trials statement said it was "a common myth that more treatment is always better when it comes to breast cancer". "Certainly 40 years ago, our grandmothers and mothers were treated with radical mastectomies ," it said. This involved removal of the breast, skin and underlying muscle, as well as the lymph glands.
"This was standard treatment. Since then, research has shown time and time again that more isn't always the best approach." Ms Frankiewicz, 71, participated in a breast cancer trial that randomised patients to receive radiation treatment, or not receive it.
She was selected for no radiation and it turned out well for her. She remains cancer free. The trial's radiation oncologist checked if she was OK with this "because most people want to take all the preventatives they c.
