Radical choices in mastectomy
CMAJ 1997;156:1119
See response from: A. Starreveld
I found the editorial "A surgical subculture: the use of mastectomy to treat breast cancer" (CMAJ 1997;156:43-5 [abstract / résumé]), by Dr. Adalei Starreveld, to be a bit patronizing.
Of course all surgeons are aware that partial mastectomy and irradiation is the treatment of choice in most cases of breast cancer, but not all of us practise in communities near radiation-therapy centres.
When confronted with the need for 6 weeks of treatment out of town away from dependent, often elderly, relatives -- not to mention dependent pets -- many older women choose the "quick fix" -- modified radical mastectomy -- and an overnight stay in hospital.
Would academic surgeons please descend from Mount Olympus and view the world through the eyes of the humble community surgeon?
David E. Leask, MD
Kitchener, Ont.
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