According to research of Dr. William Hrushesky at the Albany New York, Veterans Administration Medical Center, breast cancer was less likely to fatally metastasize depending on when breast cancer surgery was performed during the menstrual cycle. According to Dr. Hrushesky, immune function, as well as the potential to form new blood vessels necessary for cancer growth, changes during the menstrual cycle.

Studies confirming his results indicate a two to fourfold difference in ten-year survival depending on when the surgery was done.

"If they wish to time their surgery, I'll tell them, first of all, they have to be regularly cycling. And that they should plan to have the surgery between fourteen and twenty three days after the first day of their last menstrual period. So, if their menstrual period begins today, they probably should somewhere between fourteen and fifteen and sixteen days have that surgery."
- Dr. William Hrushesky MD, VA Medical Hospital, Albany NY

Also, similar timing might be important for these women to consider when scheduling biopsies. Although there are research data wars that challenge Dr. Hrushesky, he states that the majority of well-done studies confirms that there appears to be a benefit in timing the surgery, to near ovulation and the week after. He also states that further studies as he has been requesting, are needed.

One argument against timing your breast cancer surgery is that it would delay needed surgery. This argument makes little sense considering it amounts to a delay of two to three weeks at the most, and has at least the possibility of affecting whether or not the cancer returns.

Resource

Article:
Hrushesky "Breast Cancer, Timing of Surgery, and the Menstrual Cycle: Call for Prospective Trial;" Journal of Women's Health, Vol. 5, No. 6, 1996