Understanding The Factors That Determine Breast Cancer Type And Subtype
Breast cancer is a complex disease affecting millions of women worldwide. It can be overwhelming to understand, given its various types, subtypes, and treatment options.
In fact, there is a 33% increase in breast cancer specific and overall mortality in obese individuals with a BMI >30. Furthermore, obesity at diagnosis of breast cancer is linked to a higher risk of the cancer coming back after treatment. This is true for pre- and post-menopausal women. In summary, the best thing you can do to prevent breast cancer and cancer in general, is maintain a healthy body weight with your diet and regular exercise.
In patients with a standard risk of breast cancer, screening is done with a mammogram. In women who have dense breast tissue that may obscure small masses or calcifications, a tomosynthesis or “3-D mammogram” may be preferred. Patients with an elevated risk of breast cancer of 20-25% or greater over their lifetime may be screened with a combination of mammograms and MRI alternating every 6 months. To discuss which type of screening is right for you, talk to your primary care physician or please feel free to schedule a consult with our office.
and further clarify if a biopsy (taking a small sample of the tissue) is required. It is very important to understand that just because you get called back for more imaging DOES NOT necessarily mean you have breast cancer! If a biopsy is required, this can be done by the radiologist or possibly a breast surgeon. Once this is done, the tissue will be sent to a pathologist who looks at the tissue under a microscope, where a diagnosis can be made. You will receive a phone call from the office where the biopsy was performed, and if any further treatment is required, you will be sent to your breast surgeon where options will be discussed
will be made for you if you are diagnosed with breast cancer. Your surgeon and other physicians will discuss this together at a multidisciplinary conference and with you at each visit.
that looks specifically at the area of concern and may include an ultrasound as well. These imaging studies will look at the mass or calcifications and further clarify if a biopsy (taking a small sample of the tissue) is required. It is very important to understand that just because you get called back for more imaging DOES NOT necessarily mean you have breast cancer! If a biopsy is required, this can be done by the radiologist or possibly a breast surgeon. Once this is done, the tissue will be sent to a pathologist who looks at the tissue under a microscope, where a diagnosis can be made. You will receive a phone call from the office where the biopsy was performed, and if any further treatment is required, you will be sent to your breast surgeon where options will be discussed
“Passionate about educating and empowering patients concerning their disease, and guiding them through treatment with confidence.”
Breast cancer is a complex disease affecting millions of women worldwide. It can be overwhelming to understand, given its various types, subtypes, and treatment options.
Breast cancer is a common health issue for millions of women across the globe. Early detection, therefore, is a pivotal factor in enhancing survival rates
In recent years, there has been an interest in exploring alternative treatments that are best used in adjunct with traditional treatments for breast cancer, not
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