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Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute


"Confronting Cancer Through Art" is an exhibition by people whose lives have been touched by cancer.


This week we are featuring artwork by:
Jacqueline Kniewasser
Pontypool, Ontario


Visit the Children's Art Gallery

This week's artwork was donated by a pediatric cancer patient who received treatment for cancer at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

OncoLink: "Questions and Answers: Breast Cancer"

   Authors: AOL subscribers and Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Professor
            of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology
   Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
    This question and answer session was originally conducted on America Online.

Last Revision Date: Sunday, 14-Feb-1999 13:54:28 EST
Copyright © 1994-1999, The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania

Question From Diane who asks:
There have been a huge amount of breast cancer cases in my area. Is there something in our environment or diet that is contributing to this, and if so, what can we do to protect ourselves?

Answer:
There are no known environmental causes for breast cancer. There are no known dietary causes for breast cancer, except for excessive alcohol intake. Unfortunately, there is no way to "protect" oneself from breast cancer, and screening is the only solution.

Question From Marilyn who asks:
I've had mammography and MRI to examine both of my breasts, which seem to have some type of buildup, yet nothing shows up as a concern. So why do I have lumps?

Answer:
Many women have breast lumps that simply represent collections of various types of benign tissue. Your breasts simply need regular examination to see if these lumps change.

Question From sally mangano who asks:
I am taking HRT daily. i am 54 and my father died of Alzheimer's, my grandmother had thin bones, and my chol. is 349 without medication. i exercise three times a week, use light weight training, and walk for 30 min. the news release on friday said women who use hrt are at greater risk for breast cancer. i don't want to give up my hrt. what do i do?

Answer:
Your risk profile tells me that there are many reasons that hormone replacement therapy is a good idea. In general, the increased risk of breast cancer in women taking HRT is small and should not influence your decision to keep taking it. However, you should talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of HRT as they apply to your particular situation.

Question From Marilyn who asks:
Are there any specific behaviors (e.g., food patterns, fitness, etc.) that can help prevent the onset of breast cancer?

Answer:
Avoidance of excessive alcohol consumption (more than three drinks per day) is the only known behavior modification that can potentially alter the incidence of breast cancer.

Question From Nancy who asks:
What kind of risk is there (radiation exposure risk) From having a mammogram?

Answer:
Exposure to the radiation from a mammogram is minimal and is not known to produce any problems of its own.

Question From Terri who asks:
What are early signs of breast cancer other than lumps?

Answer:
A dimpling of the breast skin, a distortion of the shape of the breast, a bloody nipple discharge, unexplained breast redness or pain, or inversion of the nipple are other physical signs that should cause concern and demand examination by a trained health professional.

Question From Terri who asks:
I'm in my thirties. How often should I have a mammogram?

Answer:
Women in their thirties are not required by recommendations to get mammography. Instead, they should practice regular self-examination, be examined by a health professional and get a baseline mammogram before age 40.

Question From Yvonne who asks:
I'm 21. Should I be concerned about breast cancer at my age?

Answer:
At the age of 21, breast cancer is extremely rare and should not be a cause for concern.

Question From W. who asks:
Shouldn't women start breast checkups at about age 30?!

Answer:
Women should learn the art of self-examination and begin annual breast exams with a health professional no later than age 30.

Question From Dana who asks:
Are women with smaller breasts less likely to get breast cancer?

Answer:
Breast size is unrelated to breast cancer risk.

[UPHS] GENERAL DISCLAIMER
OncoLink is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.
For further information, consult the Editors at: editors@oncolink.upenn.edu