Study suggests long radiation treatment for breast cancer may be 'unnecessary'

Study suggests long radiation treatment for breast cancer may be 'unnecessary'
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A new report has found that two-thirds of women who undergo lumpectomies for breast cancer might be receiving "unnecessary" radiation therapy.

The research, published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that three to four weeks of intensive radiation therapy are just as effective as the more common five- to seven-week treatment. The shorter therapy schedule, which is more intense, is also cheaper, and most women preferred it when given the option.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.