FAQs

Questions It's OK to Ask

What role does diet and nutrition play in reducing one's breast cancer risk?
For overall wellness and possibly to decrease the risk for developing breast cancer, it is recommended that women consume a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

What role does exercise play in reducing one's breast cancer risk?
Physical activity may help lower your risk from breast cancer. Exercise reduces estrogen levels, fights obesity, lowers insulin levels and boosts the function of immune system cells that attack tumors.

Is obesity a risk factor for breast cancer?
The effect of adult weight on the risk of breast cancer is different among pre and postmenopausal women. Before menopause, it appears that being somewhat overweight decreases a woman's risk of getting breast cancer. After menopause, being overweight increases the risk of the disease.

What should I do if I am at higher risk for breast cancer?
Talk to your doctor about risk assessment and possible options to reduce your risk of breast cancer such as the antiestrogen drug, tamoxifen.

Why are mammograms not recommended for women under 40?
Mammography is a very effective breast cancer screening tool overall. However, it may be more effective at detecting tumors in older women than in younger women. Images on mammograms appear in gradations of black, gray and white, depending on the density of the tissue. Bone shows up as white; fat appears dark gray and cancerous tumors appear a lighter shade of gray or white.
Unfortunately, dense normal breast tissue can also appear light gray on a mammogram, which can make mammograms harder to interpret in younger women, since they tend to have denser breasts. After menopause, though, breast density usually begins to decrease, making the mammograms of older women easier to read.

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 examination (CBE) and to practice regular breast self-examination (BSE).

What is a diagnostic mammogram?
A diagnostic mammogram is used to evaluate a woman with a breast problem/symptom or an abnormal finding on a screening mammogram. The diagnostic mammogram will be focused on the areas where there appeared to be abnormal tissue. It should be performed under the direct, on-site supervision of a board certified radiologist.

What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is a procedure that removes a sample of cells or tissue from the breast to be tested. The cells or tissue that have been removed are examined under a microscope to look for signs of cancer. A biopsy is generally not painful because the breast is numbed, but you may feel some discomfort. Most women who have a biopsy are not diagnosed with cancer.

What are the different types of biopsies?
There are two main types of biopsies: needle biopsy and surgical biopsy. The method you and your doctor choose depends mainly on the nature and location of the abnormality and your general health and preference.

What is a prognosis?
A prognosis is a prediction. It is a doctor's best estimate of the chance that a woman will live free of breast cancer. In determining prognosis, doctors consider how well other patients with a similar type and stage of breast cancer have done when receiving the same treatment. However, because each patient is different, your doctor cannot say for certain what will happen to you.

What is DCIS?
DCIS is a type of in situ (non-invasive) breast cancer that originates mainly in the milk ducts of the breast. The term "in situ" means "in place" and is used to describe this condition because the abnormal cells are still "in place" inside the ducts where they first developed. The cells involved have not developed the ability to invade tissues outside of the ducts and spread. DCIS is often referred to as a precancerous condition because it can either develop into or raise the risk of invasive cancer.

How is DCIS different from invasive breast cancer?
The term "breast cancer" describes a whole group of cancers that occur in the breast. DCIS is noninvasive, meaning that it does not spread from the breast ducts to other parts of the breast or body. Invasive breast cancers can spread to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body. You can reduce your risk of getting the more serious, invasive breast cancer by getting the proper treatment for DCIS.

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. She should discuss her options with her surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists.

What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies conducted with actual patients. These studies test the safety and potential benefits of new treatments and the effectiveness of new ways to diagnose or prevent disease, and identify risks of a specific drug or treatment that may not yet be known.

Why are clinical trials conducted?
Clinical trials produce scientific advances in breast cancer prevention, detection, treatment and care. Clinical trials advance care beyond the best that is currently available. Clinical trials have been responsible for many advances in breast cancer treatment, such as lumpectomy, the use of tamoxifen and screening mammography.
or that do not go away. Your doctor will examine you and determine the nature of the symptoms and discuss what to do next.
How will I know if the cancer returns?

What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema [lim-fa-DEE-ma] is a build-up of lymphatic fluid, which causes swelling in the arm and hand, and occasionally in the chest/breast/back on the side of surgery. When the lymphatic system is damaged, fluid collects in the tissue of the affected area causing swelling. The surgical removal of the lymph nodes in the underarm area and/or radiation therapy to the affected area can interfere with normal lymph drainage

What are the signs of lymphedema?
Let your doctor know if you experience any of these symptoms:

• a heavy feeling in your arm 
• tight sensation in your arm or hand 
• swelling in your arm or hand 
• decreased flexibility in your hand or wrist 
• shirt sleeves or jewelry that feel tight 
• skin that may "pit" with any finger pressure

Call your doctor if your affected arm or hand is warm, red, or swollen, or if you have a fever. These symptoms could indicate an infection and may require antibiotics.

Who is at risk for lymphedema?
Any woman who has had some of her axillary lymph nodes removed or has undergone radiation therapy to this area is at risk for lymphedema. It can occur weeks after surgery, within a few months, after a couple of years or even as long as 20 years after treatment. As long as proper precautions are taken, lymphedema can be avoided by most women.