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 What
are the signs of breast cancer?
What are the signs of a breast cancer recurrence?
What is DCIS?
What are the most common treatments for breast cancer?
What is tamoxifen?
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
How do I find a doctor/breast surgeon?
How can I receive other financial assistance for breast cancer treatment?
After a mastectomy, can I have my breast reconstructed?
Where can I find a breast cancer support group?
How can I help my friend/family member who has cancer?
What are the signs of breast cancer?
There are several warning signs of breast cancer. The most common include a painless lump in the breast, an abnormal thickening of the breast tissue, or a change in density of the breast. Occasionally, breast cancer can show up as a lump under the arm, a redness of the skin over the breast, a change of the nipple (such as discharge,
inversion or scaliness), or a dimpling of the skin. ANY change in the normal appearance or texture of your breasts should be examined by your physician.
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What are the signs of a breast cancer recurrence?
The signs of a breast cancer recurrence can be the same as the initial warning signs for breast cancer. Lumps, thickenings, areas of different color, or swollen lymph glands should be checked by the woman's breast surgeon as soon as these changes are detected. Also, pain or broken bones can signify a recurrence of cancer. There are
also tests performed as part of a cancer survivor's annual check-up which monitor changes in certain enzymes to detect a recurrence.
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What is DCIS?
DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in-situ, is a pre-cancerous condition in which abnormal cells are confined to the duct in the breast. These tumors have no evidence of microscopic invasion to the surrounding breast tissues. DCIS is usually found by microscopic calcifications on a mammogram. Since DCIS is a pre-cancerous condition, it can become
an invasive cancer if left untreated.
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What are the most common treatments for breast cancer?
Generally, treatment for breast cancer includes a combination of one or more of the following: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
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What is tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen (brand name, Nolvadex) is a drug that interferes with the activity of estrogen. Some breast cancer cells are "estrogen sensitive", meaning estrogen binds to these cells and stimulates them to grow and divide. Tamoxifen prevents the binding of estrogen from occurring and stops the cells from growing; therefore, it can prevent
or delay a recurrence of breast cancer for some women. It has recently been approved as a preventive therapy for women who are at high risk for breast cancer.
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What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
The side effects of chemotherapy vary according to the drugs that are used. The most common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. Other possible side effects include mouth sores, an increased chance of bleeding, getting an infection, or developing anemia. However, many drugs are now available
to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy.
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How do I find a doctor/breast surgeon?
Physician referrals can be obtained from several sources including friends, your primary care physician, or local medical society. Your local chapter of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute Information Service can also provide information about clinical and comprehensive cancer centers in your area. Additionally,
you can contact one of the physicians' specialty professional organization, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology, to find out which physicians in your area are certified by these organizations.
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How can I receive other financial assistance for breast cancer treatment?
Financial assistance for the treatment of breast cancer can come from several places. The US government has several programs which help patients pay for medical treatment, including Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Hill-Burton Program. Also local Affiliates of the Komen Foundation, the American Cancer
Society and your local hospital, community organization, and/or cancer support organization may be able to provide some financial assistance. More information about these programs can be obtained from your local social services department or your local hospital. You may also contact Cancer Care Services at 817-921-0653.
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After a mastectomy, can I have my breast reconstructed?
Yes, today most mastectomy patients can have their breasts rebuilt. Age is not a factor in determining a woman's suitability nor is her type of mastectomy or the placement of her mastectomy scar. Women who have radical mastectomies (removal of the breast and chest wall muscles) or modified radical mastectomies (removal of breast but
chest muscles left intact) can now have satisfactory breast reconstructions. Also, it does not matter how much time has elapsed since a woman's original cancer surgery. Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy surgery (immediate) or years after (delayed reconstruction).
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Where can I find a breast cancer support group?
Ask your doctor, oncology nurse, or hospital social worker about breast cancer support groups within your community. Also, contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society or a major hospital/cancer center and ask about support groups in your area. You may also contact Cancer Care Services at 817-921-0653.
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How can I help my friend/family member who has cancer?
Helping a friend or family member who has cancer can be as easy as writing a letter of support, cooking a meal for them, or offering to drive them to the doctor. Let that friend or family member know that you are ready and willing to help them by asking that person how they would like you to help. Simply asking, "What can I do for you
today?" may be the best way you can help and support a friend or family member with cancer.
For more information on any of the topics above, please visit www.breastcancerinfo.com
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