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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 janet z who asks:
What are my chances of getting breast cancer? No history in my family.

Answer:
The chance of getting breast cancer in a woman with no family history is, at worst, about 10%. The "one in eight" statement that we often hear is somewhat excessive and misleading.

Question From joann who asks:
I had my first mammogram at age 29 because of a solid breast mass. At that time, I was told I had a greater risk for breast cancer. I am now 40 yrs old, and I have never had a normal mammogram since. I do get one every year, and every time I go I need to follow up with an ultrasound. It always makes me nervous. If one in eight women get breast cancer, who is not at risk?

Answer:
Having a stable breast mass on mammogram does not make a person "high risk." Technically, every woman is "at risk" for breast cancer. It is simply a matter of degree.

Question From Cheryl who asks:
What is the latest research on HRT and breast cancer?

Answer:
The latest research on HRT and breast cancer suggests that the risk of getting breast cancer is slightly higher in women who are long-term users of HRT. What exactly defines "long term" is a matter of debate. In general, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risk of developing breast cancer.

Question From Kristin who asks:
Should I be concerned with getting breast cancer? I'm 16, but I've heard of cases my age. If so, how should I approach it?

Answer:
A 16-year-old woman should spend no time worrying about breast cancer. Yes, cases of breast cancer have been reported in very young women, but these cases are extremely rare.

Question From JJ who asks:
What is the effect of taking estrogen --problems or benefits regarding the breasts?

Answer:
The effects of taking estrogen are mostly positive. Estrogen may increase the density of the breasts, and -- in theory -- this may make mammograms harder to read. However, this "fact" should not deter a woman from taking estrogen if her physician recommends it.

Question From Jen who asks:
My father has recently experienced symptoms that suggest male breast cancer. He has been scheduled for a mammogram. I realize that this is very rare, but what are the implications for men? Very little information is available for the average consumer for this disease and how it relates to men.

Answer:
Male breast cancer is uncommon. Screening mammograms cannot be recommended, because the disease is so rare. Breast cancer in men is treated virtually the same way as it is in women, except that men must have mastectomies, whereas women may have other treatment options.

Question From joan who asks:
if i get pain in one breast, is that a sign???

Answer:
Breast pain is usually not a sign of serious breast disease. Breast pain commonly occurs in the days just before the menstrual period. However, breast pain that persists for more than a few days before the period should be evaluated by a doctor.

Question From Robin who asks:
I went to my doctor last month, and he felt a cyst on my nipple. I had a mammogram, and nothing showed up. Another doctor felt nothing, nor have I been able to feel it. What do you recommend? Should I forget about it or continue to have it checked out?

Answer:
A cyst on the nipple is an unusual problem and probably is of no concern. However, any breast abnormality that cannot be explained should be followed closely by your doctor.

Question From Fay who asks:
What are the chances of cancer in a breast lump, detected by both mammogram and ultrasound that is solid, sharp- edged, and about 7mm in size?

Answer:
Solid, sharp-edged breast masses may or may not be cancerous. I cannot comment on the likelihood of cancer without having the mammograms reviewed. The decision to biopsy your breast mass should be made only after consultation with a surgeon and your mammographer.

Question From Garland who asks:
Is not having the same sensation in the breast normal after a biopsy for fibroids?

Answer:
The term "fibroid" refers to a benign growth in the uterus. Is this really what you had biopsied? If you really mean that you had a breast biopsy for "fibrocystic" disease in the breast, then a slight change in breast sensation at the site of the biopsy is very common and is of no concern.

[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