Breast cancer: Facts and FAQS
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when the cells in the breast tissue become abnormal and divide uncontrollably, producing extra tissue that develops into a tumor. Tumors can either be malignant or benign. Benign tumors are not cancerous and usually don't grow back after they've been removed. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are cancerous and can invade other parts of the body if they aren't detected when they're still small and localized.
What are the risk factors for having breast cancer?
Risk factors for breast cancer can be divided into those that you cannot change and those that you can change. Some factors that increase your risk of breast cancer that you cannot alter include being a woman, getting older, having a family history (having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer doubles your risk), having a previous history of breast cancer, having had radiation therapy to the chest region, being Caucasian, getting your periods young (before 12 years old), having your menopause late (after 50 years old), never having children or having them when you are older than 30, and having a genetic mutation that increases your risk.
Can breast self examination detect cancer?
Talk to your doctor about the advantages and limitations of breast self examination (BSE) and learn the proper techniques. As a woman, you should know what your breasts normally look and feel like and being able to detect any changes in the course of daily life (such as in the shower or while getting dressed). You should let your doctor know immediately if you see or feel any change.
Will I be able to tell if I have breast cancer?
Often there are no warning signs. However, some changes indicate a problem: a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area; a change in the size or shape of the breast; discharge from the nipple; a change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast, the nipple, or the area around the nipple (dimpled, puckered, or scaly).
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a simple x-ray of the breast that will show tumors too small to feel with your hand. During a mammogram, the technician takes two views of each breast by compressing it between two plates. This process might be a little uncomfortable, but will only take a few minutes.
When should I get a mammogram?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that in most cases, women should have an annual mammogram starting at 40.
Women older than 65 should continue receiving mammograms as long as they’re in good health and would be able to receive treatment if breast cancer occurred.
Is a lump always cancer?
Not always. Sometimes breast lumps are actually fluid-filled cysts that go away after your period. If your lump resembles a cyst, your doctor may recommend waiting through your next menstrual cycle to see if it disappears or may choose to aspirate it with a needle. If your lump is a cyst, it will collapse when aspirated.
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is a test used to determine if a lump is cancerous. Your doctor will take some cells from the lump surgically or with a needle. After that, a pathologist will study the cells under a microscope.
What is localized breast cancer?
Cancer that involves only the breast tissue.
What is systemic breast cancer?
Cancer that has entered the lymph nodes and could spread to other parts of the body.
What happens when cancer metastasizes?
The breast cancer appears in another organ. It is still considered breast cancer because it started in the breast.
Will radiation make me sick?
Radiation is a treatment that damages the cancer cells. It's delivered to the tumor area by a machine outside the body or by radioactive material implanted directly into the breast. You may experience some temporary side effects, such as fatigue, cough or shortness of breath during exercise.
Will chemotherapy make me sick?
Because chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells, you may have short-term symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, hair loss, fatigue, nervousness and lowered resistance to infection. However, many medications are available to lessen the effects of chemotherapy.
Does mastectomy always mean having your whole breast removed?
Depending on how advanced your cancer is, it may be possible to remove only the tumor, some surrounding tissue, the lining of the chest muscle and some lymph nodes. However, for more advanced cancer, the breast, some lymph nodes and possibly even some muscle may be removed.
Will I look natural after a mastectomy?
Prostheses (breast forms worn under clothing) and plastic surgery can help you look like you did before your mastectomy.
Plastic surgery uses an artificial implant or your own tissue to rebuild your breast. It's a complicated procedure, but will give you the most natural-looking breast.
Will cancer affect my intimate relations?
Breast cancer may temporarily change the way you feel about being intimate with your partner. It's important to focus on your mutual love, shared interests and the attraction you have for one another. Getting through the awkward times may even bring you closer together.
Is there any way to keep my cancer from coming back?
Although you can't completely prevent cancer from recurring, there are several ways to lessen the chance. Try limiting your intake of saturated fat, maintaining a healthful body weight and planning your initial breast surgery so that it doesn't occur within a week of your period, when your usual body state is disrupted by hormones.
Do watch for signs that your cancer has returned, but don't spend all your time thinking about it. Make sure that you examine your breasts once a month, see your doctor every three to six months and have whatever tests your doctor recommends. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you notice changes in your scar or have pain, nausea, dizziness or any other unusual symptoms.