Timing of breast cancer surgery during menstrual cycle. A 10-year analysis of 133 premenopausal women

We have examined survival data of 133 premenopausal women operated on from 1979 to 1987. The patients were subdivided into two groups (low and high risk) according to the interval since their last menstrual period. The distribution of risk factors and the clinical and pathological characteristics of the two risk groups did not differ. Our sample is different from other studies only as to the operative technique (predominance in our study of mastectomy compared to quadrantectomy). The overall and disease-free survival show no significant difference between the two groups. A univariate analysis of 10 years overall survival estimates, subdivided into the phase of the cycle in different prognostic subgroups, showed no significant difference in any group. At present, there is no scientific evidence to justify a change of surgical timing in premenopausal women with breast cancer.