Frequently Asked Questions   /   Types of Cancer

Chemotherapy Before or After Surgery

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The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Last Modified: December 13, 2011

Question

Why did my friend get chemo before her surgery and I am supposed to get it afterwards?

Answer

Brian Czerniecki, MD, Breast , responds:

We give chemotherapy prior to surgery to attempt to improve breast conservation surgery. You may or may not need chemotherapy after breast cancer depending on tumor size node status and receptor type you may also get ONCODX test as well to determine the benefit of chemotherapy.

This question and answer was part of the OncoLink Brown Bag Chat. Series, View the Life After Breast Cancer transcript.