Women diagnosed with breast cancer are often given a variety of treatment options, but more and more women are opting to get mastectomies, the most aggressive surgery, even for small cases.

Now, brand new research suggests a less invasive approach may offer better survival rates.

Researchers at the Duke Cancer Institute evaluated data from more than 112,000 breast cancer cases between 1990 and 2004, They looked at the age of the patient, the type of breast cancer and whether mastectomy or lumpectomy with radiation was chosen. All had early Stage 1 or Stage 2 cancer.

The results of the study: Women were more likely to survive breast cancer if they had the less invasive lumpectomy plus radiation, versus mastectomy and this was the case across all ages. Women age 50 and older with hormone-sensitive breast cancer saw even greater benefits with a 14-percent decreased risk of dying from breast cancer after opting for the lumpectomy-radiation combo versus mastectomy.

Researchers say they hope this new study will reassure women that lumpectomy remains an excellent choice with small, early breast cancers.

As always, your doctor is the best guide for your treatment options.

I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading health news for healthier living.