Do Women Complete Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer?

Despite high overall rates of completion, some women did not finish their XRT.

In women who undergo breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for breast cancer, adjuvant radiation therapy (XRT) plays a key role in lowering cancer-related mortality. In a retrospective cohort study, investigators used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data to identify women (age, ≥66) who received diagnoses of stage I to III breast cancer from 1992 through 2002 and who were treated with surgery (either BCS or mastectomy). XRT completion rates were assessed based on Medicare claims data.

Of 24,510 women (88% white), 87% underwent BCS. Overall, 87% of women completed XRT (defined as 25 or more sessions). Hospitalization during XRT was associated with greater likelihood of incomplete therapy (odds ratio, 2.9), as was having a mastect…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Do Women Complete Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer?

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Reviewing Author