Conversations / Live Q&A

The first signs of breast cancer can either be found on a mammogram or through an exam (either through a breast self exam, or by a physician).  This might mean a lump or skin changes or discharge from the nipple that's new.  Any of these symptoms should be evaluated by a physician.

Breast cancer will affect 1 in 8 women over their lifetime.    There are approximately 200,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed annually.  60% of breast cancer patients have no family history of the disease.  So screening mammography is very important.

Over the years I have seen support groups grow and blossom.  There are many support groups aimed at individual needs. It's not one size fits all.  There are multiple support groups.  For example, there are support groups for young mothers, BRCA mutation carriers, patients receiving chemotherapy, etc.  The key is for the correct match to be made between the needs of the patient and the focus of the support group.  Here at the Reinsch Pierce Family Center for Breast Health, we have a Patient Navigator who facilitates the best fit for the patient and the support group.  Treating the emotional needs of the patient is equally as important as medically treating the cancer.

• Annual mammograms are recommended after age 40 for ALL women. 
• Most times, a one-time baseline mammogram is recommended for women between the ages of 35 - 40.
• If there is a family history of breast cancer, the recommended age for beginning annual mammography may be adjusted based on the details of that information. 
• Please talk to your doctor about earlier screenings if breast cancer runs in your family.  
• Please talk to your family to learn more about your family's medical history and then communicate that information to your physician.

There's no long time survival advantage between lumpectomy and radiation versus mastectomy.  Lymph node assessment is a standard part of breast cancer treatment in order to determine if additional therapy is warranted. 

The determination of which surgical choice is appropriate is between the patient and doctor.  I would encourage you to talk with your mother's surgeon about the specifics of this case.

The key is understanding what feels normal for you in your breasts.  Breast tissue is lumpy and bumpy. Regular breast self-exams allow you to become more comfortable with the lumps and bumps in your breast tissue.  The goal is to identify any changes from what's normal for you.

• Don't smoke
• Exercising 30 minutes/day; 3x/week
• Low-fat diet
• Limiting alcohol consumption

Please see the response provided in an earlier post related to mammography screening.  You may also access additional mammography information on this link:  www.virginiahospitalcenter.com/healthinformation/healthcontent.aspx?chunkiid=14840

Most of the time chemotherapy and radiation are used to reduce the risk of recurrence. 

Chemotherapy is used to reduce the distance spread (meaning the rest of the body).

Radiation is used to reduce the risk of local recurrence (i.e., the breast).

Breast cancer is treated by a multidisciplinary team of physicians (breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and plastic surgeons) who communicate with one another to determine the best treatment for each individual patient.

There is a wide range of recovery times after breast cancer surgery depending upon the details of the surgery.  On average, recovery after lumpectomy is two weeks. 

Recovery after a mastecomy is dependent on whether or not reconstruction was performed and which method was utilized.  This can range from 3 - 12 weeks.  Again, depending on the details.  At the Reinsch Pierce Family Center for Breast Health, we have a nurse educator who discusses this in detail with the patient, and stays in communication with physicians to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual patient.