Breast Cancer FAQ'S
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without the usual controls on cell death and cell division.
What is DCIS?
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are precancer cells found in the ducts of the breast. These ducts carry milk from the lobules (where it is made) to the nipple of the breast. DCIS is pre-malignant (not yet cancer), so if it is left untreated or is not treated properly, it can develop into invasive breast cancer. However, DCIS is highly curable with surgery with or without radiation.
Who is at risk for breast cancer?
All women are at risk for breast cancer. The two most significant risk factors are being female and getting older. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no other known risk factors.
What are the risk factors that put a woman at higher risk for breast cancer?
Factors that put a woman at higher risk include:
personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
relative who had breast cancer before menopause or in both breasts
personal history of breast biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia or carcinoma in situ
being young at the time of your first period
starting menopause later
never being pregnant or having your first child after age 30
having the mutated breast cancer gene BRCA1 or BRCA2
Are women who have fibrocystic changes in their breasts at higher risk for breast cancer?
Fibrocystic breast changes, lumpiness plus tenderness or pain at certain times of the month, do not increase your chance of getting breast cancer.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and does it increase my risk for breast cancer?
During menopause, a womans body significantly reduces the production of estrogen. This decrease in estrogen may cause hot flashes, bone loss, vaginal dryness and mood swings. To lessen the side effects, doctors may prescribe HRT. A womans risk of developing breast cancer is increased by about 40 percent if she currently uses postmenopausal hormones (HRT). This increased risk declines over time once a woman stops taking hormones. Overall, there is little, if any, increase in a womans risk of breast cancer if she is a short-term user (less than 5 years).
Are women who use birth control pills at an increased risk for breast cancer?
Studies have shown that taking birth control pills for five years or longer can slightly increase your risk for breast cancer. However, there is no apparent increase in a womans risk of breast cancer ten or more years after she has stopped using oral contraceptives.
Does the radiation from a mammogram cause cancer?
Today, mammography has little radiation risk. The amount of radiation that is used in mammography has been reduced greatly and is considered to be safe for women of the appropriate age.
How effective are mammograms?
Mammography has the ability to detect breast cancers before they can be felt. However, a small percentage of breast cancers cannot be identified by mammography. For this reason, it is important to follow the guidelines for clinical breast exams and to practice regular breast self-exams.
What are the most common treatments for breast cancer?
All women with breast cancer should consult with a medical oncologist to determine their specific treatment needs. There are two main types of breast cancer treatment: local and systemic. Surgery and radiation therapy are local treatments. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are systemic therapies. Local and systemic treatments are usually used together to provide the best chance of recovery.
After a mastectomy, can I have my breast reconstructed?
Breast reconstruction can help restore the look and feel of the breast that was removed during a total mastectomy. Done by a plastic surgeon, breast reconstruction can be completed during the total mastectomy surgery or some time after the surgery. When a woman decides to have reconstruction depends on her wishes and the specifics of her situation.
