J Natl Med Assoc
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The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of lumpectomy and postoperative radiotherapy in an African-American, medically indigent population. From 1980 through 1996, a retrospective chart review was undertaken of the patients treated with radiotherapy after lumpectomy at an inner city hospital, whose patients are primarily African American and uninsured. One hundred and one patients were treated with breast conservation during this time. ⋯ The 5-year and 10-year local control for DCIS, in a limited number of patients, was 95.2%. We conclude that lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy is an effective treatment strategy in the high-risk population of African-American, medically indigent patients. The local control and disease-free survival compare favorably to published controls in this traditionally high-risk patient population.