Despite better overall prognoses, slow-growing breast cancer subtypes are associated with a higher mortality risk when surgery is delayed more than 42 days after diagnosis, according to a study published Dec. 30 in Breast Cancer Research.
The study was led by researchers from Norman-based University of Oklahoma, according to a
March 24 news release from the university.
Here is what to know from the research:
- For patients with hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancers, the longer surgery was delayed, the higher their mortality risk grew.
The increase began at 42 days without surgery after diagnosis. At 60 days the risk was 21% higher, at 90 days the risk was 79% higher and at 120 days the risk was 183% higher. - The mortality risk for the more aggressive and invasive hormone receptor-negative and “triple negative” breast cancer subtypes showed little change when surgery was delayed.
- Factors that can contribute to surgery delays include the preoperative process, work or family obligations, seeking a second opinion and pursuing egg preservation, the release said.
- Researchers hypothesized two reasons for the increased mortality risk:
- Less invasive breast cancers could have more room to change and grow.
- An inflammatory response from the biopsy could fuel tumor growth.
Read the full study here.