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Watchful waiting for breast cancer
By Mayo Clinic staffMost women with invasive breast cancer are urged to consider adjuvant therapy. But that doesn't mean that they have to choose this additional treatment. Not all do. Not taking adjuvant therapy can be a rational and good choice for some women.
For instance, you might think the risks and side effects of adjuvant therapy outweigh the benefits. Keep in mind that some women live long, healthy lives after breast cancer surgery without receiving adjuvant therapy.
If you turn down the option of adjuvant therapy, your doctor will advise you to be vigilant with breast self-exams, mammograms and follow-up clinical examinations. This is called watchful waiting.
Watchful waiting has its own risks — there's a higher chance that cancer cells which may have gone undetected will spread to other parts of your body.
Watchful waiting for breast cancer: Pros and cons Combination therapy for breast cancer: Pros and cons
