Studies: Some cancer treatments can be skipped

In this Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013 photo, chemotherapy is administered to a cancer patient via intravenous drip at Duke Cancer Center in Durham, N.C. New research reported Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013 at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium may help tens of thousands of women each year avoid being overtreated for breast cancer. Doctors have identified groups of patients who might be able to skip certain therapies without seriously harming their survival odds. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Tens of thousands of women each year might be able to skip at least some of the grueling treatments for breast cancer — which can include surgery, heavy chemo and radiation — without greatly harming their odds of survival, new research suggests.