Q: Is hormone replacement therapy safe? A: Approach hormone replacement therapy with caution. Taking postmenopausal estrogen replacement increases your risk of breast cancer. Women who have had breast cancer or who are at high risk of developing it should probably avoid hormone replacement therapy.

The first large national study of hormone therapy found that the combination of estrogen and progestin was too risky, and the trial was halted. Back to FAQa

Q: Should I take soy estrogens--or eat tofu--to help prevent breast cancer? A: Soybeans and soy products (including tofu, soy milk and miso) contain phytoestrogens or plant estrogens. These substances, which are similar to human estrogen although much weaker, are used by many women to control symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. It is also believed that these phytoestrogens may help prevent breast cancer. Back to FAQs

Q: As a breast-cancer survivor, should I take tamoxifen?
A: 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 and stops the cells from growing. Therefore, it can prevent or delay a recurrence of breast cancer for some women.

However, a recent randomized trial in postmenopausal women found that an aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole (Arimidex), was superior to tamoxifen in terms of recurrence-free survival. Back to FAQs

Q: Do regular mammograms save lives? What about breast self-exams? A: Yes, screening mammograms save lives. Because mammograms do not visualize every cancer, a complete breast health program also includes annual clinical breast examinations.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is also a component of a complete breast health program. Used in conjunction with clinical breast examination and mammography, BSE can facilitate early detection of some of the more elusive cancers. It is very helpful for a woman to be familiar with her own breast anatomy, so that she can provide information as to whether lumps or thickenings are new findings, or if they have been present for a long time. BSE is the best way for a woman to become familiar with her body. Back to FAQs.

Q: My sister had breast cancer-what's my risk?
A: If your sister was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 65 years old, and no one else in your family has had breast or ovarian cancer, your risk is probably not much higher than average.

If your sister was diagnosed when she was 35 years old, and there are other women in your family with breast or ovarian cancer, your risk may be a lot higher than average. The specialists at the Cancer Genetics Clinic can help you figure out your risk. Call (206) 616-2135 for more information. Back to FAQs.

Q: What is breast cancer? A: Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that has developed in the cells of the breast. Back to FAQs

Q: What are the signs of breast cancer? A: 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 the 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 in 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 doctor. Back to FAQs

Q: Why is breast cancer harmful? A: If breast cancer stayed in the breast, it would not be life-threatening. But cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body where they can grow and interfere with the functioning of critical organs. Back to FAQs

Q: What are the signs of a breast cancer recurrence? A: The signs of a breast cancer recurrence can be the same as the initial warning signs for breast cancer. Any lump, thickening, area of a different color or swollen lymph glands should be checked by your breast surgeon as soon as these changes are noticed. Also, pain or broken bones can signify a recurrence of cancer. There are also tests performed as part of a cancer survivor's regular check-ups which monitor changes in certain enzymes to detect a recurrence. Back to FAQs

Q: What is DCIS? A: DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ, is a pre-cancerous condition in which abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts in the breast. These tumors show no evidence of microscopic invasion to the surrounding breast tissues. DCIS is usually found as microscopic calcifications on a mammogram. Since DCIS is a pre-cancerous condition, it can become an invasive cancer if left untreated. Back to FAQs

Q: What are "calcifications" in the breast? A: Calcifications are deposits of calcium in the breast tissue. They can be seen on a mammogram, but not detected by touch. Some calcifications are not harmful, but a cluster of microcalcifications may be a sign of cancer. See DCIS, above. Back to FAQs

Q: Can I ask for an ultrasound instead of a mammogram to check for breast cancer? A: A mammogram is the most effective way to screen for breast cancer. Ultrasound is not used for routine breast cancer screening because it does not consistently detect early signs of cancer such as microcalcifications. For more on types of screening: http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/5_14.htm Back to FAQs

Q: What are the "stages" of breast cancer? A: The stage refers to how advance the breast cancer is, including the size of the tumor, whether or not lymph nodes are involved, and whether or not the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. The stage of the breast cancer is one of the most important factors doctors consider in making treatment recommendations and in predicting prognosis. Stage I: The tumor is smaller than 1 inch and the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or to other sites beyond the breast. Stage II: The tumor is 1 inch to 2 inches in size, or the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm. Stage III: This is a more advanced cancer, but it is still confined to the breast, surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Stage IV: The breast cancer has spread or metastasized to distant sites such as the lungs, liver, bones and brain, or to lymph nodes outside of the underarm area. Back to FAQs

Q: What are the most common treatments for breast cancer? A: Generally, treatment for breast cancer includes one or more of the following: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. To read more about new treatments: Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping Donut Mastopexy Hormone Therapy Chemotherapy--dose density Back to FAQs

Q: Are there alternatives to tamoxifen? A: Tamoxifen has been found to be effective in preventing a recurrence of breast cancer, however, a recent randomized trial in postmenopausal women found that an aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole (Arimidex), was superior to tamoxifen in terms of recurrence-free survival. New Hormonal Treatments Back to FAQs

Q: What are the side effects of chemotherapy? A: The side effects of chemotherapy vary according to the drugs that are used. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss and fatigue. Other possible side effects include mouth sores, and an increased chance of bleeding, infection or anemia. Patients tolerate chemotherapy much better than in the past, however, because of new drugs that help control side effects. Back to FAQs

Q: What is Herceptin? A: Herceptin is a drug that until recently was only used to treat metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body). It is an antibody that targets cancer cells that "over-express" (make too much of) a protein called HER2.

Herceptin is only effective for women whose breast cancer is HER2-positive. Because it is a targeted treatment that only attacks cancer cells, the side effects are milder than those of chemotherapy, which attacks all fast-growing cells.

Recently, doctors have begun to use Herceptin to treat women who have been newly diagnosed with HER2-positive cancer if their cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Herceptin is recommended for these women as an adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment in combination with chemotherapy.

Back to FAQs

Q: What is Avastin?
A: Avastin (generic name, bevacizumab) is a drug that inhibits the growth of blood vessels to tumors. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat advanced colorectal cancer when combined with a chemotherapy drug.

New research shows that Avastin, combined with Taxol (paclitaxel), works well in slowing the progression of metastatic breast cancer. This is good news for women with advanced breast cancer because these drugs are targeted therapies, and typically have fewer and milder side effects than traditional chemotherapy drugs.

You may want to read more about this research:

Breast Cancer.org

National Cancer Institute Web site Back to FAQs

Q: How do I find a doctor/breast surgeon? A: Physician referrals can be obtained from several sources, including friends, your primary-care physician or a local medical society. The local chapter of the American Cancer Society or 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 organizations, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology, to find out which doctors in your area are certified by these organizations. Back to FAQs

Q: How can I receive financial assistance for breast cancer treatment? A: Financial assistance for the treatment of breast cancer can come from several places. The U.S. 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 other cancer support organizations may be able to help. If you are a SCCA patient, please call our social work department at (206) 288-1076, or e-mail socialw@seattlecca.org for more information. Back to FAQs

Q: After a mastectomy, can I have my breast reconstructed? A: Yes, today most mastectomy patients can have breast reconstruction. Age is not a factor in determining a woman's suitability for reconstructive surgery, nor is the type of mastectomy or the placement of the mastectomy scar. Women who have had radical mastectomies (removal of the breast and chest wall muscles) or modified radical mastectomies (removal of the breast with the chest muscles left intact) can now have satisfactory breast reconstruction.

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 or years later. Breast Reconstruction Back to FAQs

Q: Where can I find a breast cancer support group? A: Ask your doctor, oncology nurse or an SCCA social worker socialw@seattlecca.org about breast cancer support groups. Or check the times and meeting places of SCCA support groups on the Web. The local chapter of the American Cancer Society will also have information about support groups in your area. Back to FAQs

Q: How can I help a friend or family member who has cancer? A: Helping a friend or family member who has cancer can be as easy as writing a letter of support, cooking a meal or offering to drive the person to the doctor. Let the friend or family member know that you are ready and willing to help by asking how they would like you to help. To read more: How to Help Back to FAQs

Q: I am a breast cancer survivor. Can I take soy estrogens to help with menopause symptoms? Are they safe for me? A: Researchers are looking at these questions now. Until more is known, a woman who has or has had an estrogen-positive breast cancer should minimize her intake of phytoestrogens. The same is true for women who are taking tamoxifen. Back to FAQs

Q: Are women who have had an abortion at higher risk of developing breast cancer? A: the answer is no, according to the National Cancer Institute. The NCI said in a recent report that neither induced abortion nor spontaneous abortion are associated with an increase in breast cancer risk. To read the report: www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/ere-workshop-report Back to top

August 2007


Home > Adult Care > Clinical Services > Breast Cancer > About Breast Cancer > Frequently Asked Questions