Helping breast cancer patients analyze risk

Our breast cancer patients face an abundance of very legitimate fears related to the morbidity and mortality risks of the actual cancer as well as the adverse effects and toxicities of treatment for that cancer. Fortunately, we can assure them that for the majority of cases these treatments will be effective and their longevity will be protected. It is therefore understandable that the desire to avoid repeating this particular life experience may be strong. We have an obligation to explain the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the alternatives to CPM, with sensitivity and patience. We must also strive to make sure that our patients do not make premature decisions without understanding the consequences. Last, but certainly not least, we are ethically bound to offer only those treatments that we feel are medically reasonable and safe as well as oncologically sound. But we must also remember that the decision to pursue treatment and the choice between the options that we offer are ultimately rights that belong to the patient.

Dr. Newman in an ACS Fellow, professor of surgery, and director of the Breast Care Center and Multidisciplinary Breast Fellowship Program, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor.