The Swedish researchers were looking for subsets of women who would NOT need radiation. A previous study had suggested there were such groups. Women in the study all received lumpectomies. About half (593)also received radiation therapy. 594 women did not. The median age was 60 and the median tumor size was 12mm. 65% of all cases were found by mammography. As reported at this meeting, many more women in the no radiation arm had local recurrences. Event free survival 85 versus 75. HOWEVER, survival was almost exactly the same in both arms (groups). 94% versus 93%. This result has been shown in several studies, including the National Surgical Breast and Bowel Project (NASBP) in the United States, Protocol B06. One reason for the equivalent survival may be that radiation has such a strong downside risk. Left-side radiation may be damage the heart and there is evidence of nerve damage regardless of location. Ann's NOTE: I asked the speaker if they had looked at the heart damage to patients. His reponse was no, it was too soon. I disagree with that as it is possible to see this after two years. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.