 Frequently Asked
Questions About Breast Cancer
A: Mammograms are the best screening tool we have to detect most breast cancers. Numerous studies have shown that having annual mammograms is the most effective way to detect even slight
changes in the breast over time.
A: Though momentarily uncomfortable, breast tissue must be compressed (squeezed) in order to get the clearest picture possible, which increases the accuracy of the doctor’s interpretation.
A: Not always. Mammography alone misses up to 20% of cancers. This is another reason why your doctor may use Ultrasound, CT, or MRI in their diagnosis. Sometimes even a biopsy may be needed.
A: Ultrasound, CT (CAT scan) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are tests which, when used with Mammography, give the physician the most complete information possible with which to make an
accurate diagnosis. These are complimentary to mammography which is still needed most of the time.
A: Surprisingly, 70 to 80% of all breast cancers occur in women without a family history of the disease, making it a necessity that ALL women be screened regularly. The American Cancer
Society recommends annual mammography for ALL women beginning at age 40.
A It is a means of obtaining tissue for diagnosis. It can be performed with a needle or surgically (actually cutting out a piece of tissue).
A: Sometimes this happens because changes in the breast from year to year can be too small to be readily apparent, making (you guessed it) annual mammograms even more critical!
A: It could be years. Cancer develops from a single cell that divides over and over again. It can literally take years to grow large enough to be detectable by mammography or physical exam,
again emphasizing the importance of annual testing.
A: The decision whether or not to have a partial or complete mastectomy is a decision made after all options are explored with your doctor. Some women are better treated with one or the
other, and in some women the choices are essentially equal in terms of outcome. This is often a very personal choice best made with the help of your physician. Again, your doctor can help you
decide which course of treatment is best for you.
A: Generally speaking, the more aggressive the tumor , the more aggressive the treatment.. Also, younger women who are premenopausal may respond to different treatments than older women who
are postmenopausal. A medical oncologist can help you decide if chemotherapy, or “chemo”, would be the best course of treatment for you. This decision is usually made after the biopsy
results are known and sometimes after the complete surgery.
A: Some types of tumors use your body’s estrogen (a female hormone) to grow. In these cases, a pill is prescribed that can block estrogen from being used by these tumors, depriving it of
what it needs to grow.
A: Herceptin is in a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, a new type of cancer treatment that only works on certain types of tumors. Not everyone is helped by this type of treatment.
There are other treatments used when Herceptin is not an option.
A: Radiation is currently offered to all partial mastectomy patients in order to treat the whole breast. Studies are now being conducted to evaluate partial breast radiation as an alternative
treatment, but it is not yet considered a standard of care, but the early results are promising!.
A: There are a great many support groups for yourself and family members through most breast cancer organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation, and others. These groups are made up of people who have been through what you are going through and can give you and your family the emotional support needed for coping with this
difficult period.
A: Several factors are thought to increase the risk of developing cancer, such as obesity, smoking, never having had children, and using hormones after menopause. These are factors that you
can control. Other factors, such as heredity, are risks over which you have no control. Your best bet is to act upon the ones that you can do something about.
A: For most women, the answer is no. However, in the few who carry a breast cancer gene or otherwise have a very high risk of developing cancer, a couple of preventative options exist.
Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is one, the drug Tamoxifen is another. If you are in one of these high risk groups,ask your doctor about them.
A: First of all, DON’T PANIC! 80% percent of all breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous). Next, contact your PCP or OB/GYN and make an appointment. Your doctor will examine you and order
the appropriate tests and referrals. Most importantly, don’t ignore it! Knowing without a doubt what that lump may or may not be is 100% better than not being sure and perhaps missing an
opportunity to save your own life.
A: Again, don’t panic. It could be any number of things, only one of which is cancer. Schedule an appointment with your doctor and get tested. Remember, knowledge is your best weapon
against ANY illness.
A: Probably not. A hot, tender, reddened area is most commonly a sign of an infection. This can occur regardless of whether or not you are nursing a child, and can in rare cases be an
indication of inflammatory cancer. In any case, you should see your doctor just to be sure.
A: Fibrocystic Disease generally refers to small, fibrous cystic areas on the breast that are tender and lumpy. Though they are not fatal and not malignant (cancerous), these cysts can cause
a great deal of anxiety in the patient from a cosmetic point of view. Your doctor can let you know of treatment options.
A: The American Cancer Society publishes an excellent book called Cancer in the Family, helping children cope with a parent’s illness. Visit their bookstore to review it.
There's also an article by the American Cancer Society titled: “Current Approaches to Helping Children Cope with a Parent’s
Terminal Illness”.
|
