A 35-year-old mother of three young children has been diagnosed with stage II breast cancer
After discussing treatment options with her physician, the woman goes home to talk to her husband, later calling the nurse for clarification of some points. The patient tells the nurse that the physician has recommended breast conservation surgery followed by radiation. The patient's husband has done some online research and is asking why his wife does not have a modified radical mastectomy "to be sure all the cancer is gone." What would be the nurse's best response?
A) "Modified radical mastectomies are very hard on a patient, both physically and emotionally and they really aren't necessary anymore."
B) "According to current guidelines, having a modified radical mastectomy is no longer seen as beneficial."
C) "Modified radical mastectomies have a poor survival rate because of the risk of cancer recurrence."
D) "According to current guidelines, breast conservation combined with radiation is as effective as a modified radical mastectomy."
Ans: D
Feedback:
Breast conservation along with radiation therapy in stage I and stage II breast cancer results in a survival rate equal to that of modified radical mastectomy. Mastectomies are still necessary in many cases, but are not associated with particular risk of recurrence.
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