BREAST cancer researchers, have thrown up yet another treatment dilemma. Women diagnosed with early breast cancer may soon have to decide between an early menopause and a lower survival rate.
Women suffering from early breast cancer can live longer if the normal function of their ovaries is stopped, according to an international group of researchers. Reporting in the Lancet medical journal, they said that using surgery or X rays to stop the ovaries from working was an effective treatment for early breast cancer in younger women.
In women aged under 50 with early breast cancer, ablation of functioning ovaries significantly improves long term survival, at least in the absence of chemotherapy, said the researchers, whose work was co ordinated by "the British Imperial Cancer Research Fund.
The researchers found that for every 100 women whose ovaries were switched off or removed, an extra six would be alive 15 years later compared to the control group. Previous medical studies have shown that oestrogen produced by the ovaries is linked to breast cancer and chances of the disease recurring.
Researchers warned that despite the benefits of ablation in cancer treatment, women must also consider side effects such as loss of fertility and acute menopausal symptoms.