SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- New research out of Norway suggests that invasive cancers, like breast cancer, may sometimes disappear without treatment. However, doctors are having mixed reactions to the findings.
KCBS’ Susan Leigh Taylor Reports
Mark Moasser, a breast cancer expert at U.C. San Francisco says this study needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
"No cancer was actually documented to regress, so let's be very careful not to blow this completely out of proportion. There are alternate explanations for these findings," said Moasser.
But Dr. Robert Kaplan, a professor of public health and medicine at UCLA says the implications are potentially enormous.
"I can see a point in the future where, if this is replicated, where some women with breast cancer might engage in what we call 'watchful waiting.' In other words, they might not have treatment immediately, but might sit back and have their cancer monitored to see if it's progressing," said Kaplan.
Moasser agrees with the importance of replicating the results. But in the meantime, he urges all women to continue with regular mammograms, and is emphatic that if you're diagnosed with breast cancer, you should get treatment.
"We have very good treatments that cure the majority of patients nowadays. So please do not conclude from this news item that breast cancer is not to be taken seriously," said Moasser.
(MGO)
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