Too many of New Zealand’s breast cancer sufferers are having 'unnecessary' mastectomies, according to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

New research from the Foundation claims breast conserving surgery and radiation can lead to a higher overall survival rate.

Breast Cancer Foundation research manager Adele Gautier says guidelines suggest 70 percent of surgeries should be breast conserving surgery.

"Right now, in New Zealand, that's more like 55 percent. About a third of the people who could be having breast conserving surgery are having a mastectomy instead."

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Too many of New Zealand’s breast cancer sufferers are having 'unnecessary' mastectomies, according to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
New research from the Foundation claims breast conserving surgery and radiation can lead to a higher overall survival rate.
Breast Cancer Foundation research manager Adele Gautier says guidelines suggest 70 percent of surgeries should be breast conserving surgery.
"Right now, in New Zealand, that's more like 55 percent. About a third of the people who could be having breast conserving surgery are having a mastectomy instead."
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With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.