Breast cancer FAQs
For information focused on breast cancer, visit our Breast Cancer page.
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April 19, 2012
Why does breast cancer classification promise better therapies?
Researchers have found a way to classify breast cancer tumors into 10 distinct categories ranging from very treatable to extremely aggressive, a major step on the way to the long-sought goal of precisely targeting therapies for patients.
March 21, 2012
How does cadmium connect to breast cancer?
In a finding that strengthens the link between environmental pollutants and rising rates of breast cancer, new research finds that women whose diets contain higher levels of cadmium are at greater risk of developing breast cancer than those who ingest less of the industrial chemical in their food.
3:34 PM PST, March 7, 2012
What are the risks of infertility among women undergoing cancer treatment?
When a young woman is diagnosed with cancer, getting pregnant is probably the last thing on her mind. But if she wants children in the future, it's something she should think about. The chemotherapy and radiation treatments used to treat cancer can hurt a women's fertility. Nearly 10 percent of the 1.5 million diagnosed with cancer each year are of childbearing age, according to the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Melissa M. Yates, an assistant professor of gynecology and obstetrics at the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center, says these women need to think about fertility preservation before they begin treatment for cancer.
3:41 PM PST, March 6, 2012
Does estrogen increase or decrease the risk of breast cancer?
Perhaps if there were other really effective medications to treat menopausal symptoms people wouldn't care so much about the safety of hormone replacement therapy.
9:37 AM PST, January 26, 2012
Would a bald Barbie really help sick kids?
Sporting many looks on her way to cultural icon status, Barbie has been known to push some envelopes through the years — donning biker leather, '80s punk, tattoos. She even changed races, with the 1980 debut of Black Barbie.
12:04 PM PST, January 4, 2012
Do cold caps help keep hair through chemo?
People with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy may soon be able to check one side effect off of their list: hair loss. If the claims and study results are as good as they appear to be, patients can wear a cold hat during chemotherapy to prevent their hair from falling out.
October 2, 2011
Avastin: Helpful or harmful for breast cancer patients?
Did the controversial drug Avastin cure Carey Herrington?
7:43 AM PDT, September 30, 2011
What nutrition tips should I follow after treatment?
Many cancer patients end treatment underweight. Post-treatment breast cancer patients, however, often end up overweight. This can sometimes be attributed to medications such as steroids or chemotherapy. Or the patient is overweight to begin with. Losing this weight is a worthy goal as overweight and obese patients have an increased risk for cancer recurrence, studies say, as well as chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
9:28 AM PDT, September 26, 2011
Want to ask a breast cancer survivor live questions? Live chat here
Join us in a live Web chat from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, to learn more about early detection of breast cancer.Mary Beth Gibson, cancer survivor and co-founder of the Williamsburg-based breast cancer advocacy group, Beyond Boobs!, will answer readers' questions.All questions are confidential and anonymous.Can't make the chat? Email your questions in advance to psalasky@dailypress.com.
September 21, 2011
Is soy OK for breast cancer survivors?
At one time, soy seemed to be just the ticket for women: heart-healthy, good for bones and helpful for hot flashes. And then there was the low rate of breast cancer in soy-consuming countries. But as so often with "miracle foods," closer study has dampened some of the enthusiasm.
September 22, 2011
Why do minorities often face increased risk of breast cancer?
Breast cancer unites women of all color and creed under a common banner of hope. But not all breasts are created equal.
September 21, 2011
What new things have been learned about breast cancer?
Since June 2011, we've learned that hormone therapy use affects screening, mammograms can cut the death rate by 30 percent, women are again opting for silicone implants, Medicare will continue to cover Avastin, and breast-feeding can lessen breast cancer risk for certain African-American mothers.
October 27, 2009
Why is Mommy sick?
Should you tell your children about your breast cancer? And if so, how can you ease their fears when your own emotions are running amok. It's a difficult choice, but one that many parents deal with when a spouse is diagnosed with breast cancer. Most experts advise parents to tell their children.
October 26, 2009
Can reiki help fight breast cancer?
Reiki is a Japanese healing technique based on the belief that spiritual energy can be channeled through a practitioner to strengthen a patient's spirit and help unleash the body's healing powers. It is a spiritual technique but not a religion, and there is nothing you must believe in order to use it. Here are some answers to some Reiki (pronounced ray-key) basics:
October 15, 2009
What are non-cancerous breast conditions?
Most of the symptoms that women fear could be cancerous--such as lumps, cysts, tenderness, pain, swelling and nipple discharge--are actually diagnosed as benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions.
October 8, 2009
What are the different types of breast cancer?
Most breast cancers begin in the breast's ducts or glands (lobules). Some begin in the cells that line the lobules (lobular cancers), while a small number start in other tissues, according to the American Cancer Society. Where it starts is determined by how the cells appear under a microscope.
October 7, 2009
How do I understand a pathology report?
After your surgery, the pathology report will help doctors determine the stage (from 0 to 4) of your cancer. This is based on the size of your tumor and whether cancer is in your lymph nodes or has spread beyond the breast. The pathologist determines whether cells are cancerous, precancerous (at high risk of becoming cancerous) or benign (harmless). This information is key for your medical team to develop a treatment plan. Before you read the report:
October 6, 2009
How do I find the breast cancer information I need?
The Internet puts access to the most current information on breast cancer at your fingertips. But you can easily get overwhelmed with information, some of it misleading or inaccurate.
October 6, 2009
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Although changes in your breasts usually are unrelated to cancer, see your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms or any other changes to your breasts. If your symptoms do signal cancer, the sooner you receive treatment the better your prognosis.
October 5, 2009
How do I give myself a breast exam?
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), women should begin giving themselves breast self-exams (BSEs) in their 20s. Getting to know how your breasts normally look and feel will help you detect subtle changes (if they occur) that could signal breast cancer.
October 5, 2009
How much do genetics count?
About 20 to 30 percent of women with breast cancer have a family member with the disease. Women whose close relatives have breast cancer have a much higher risk of getting it. If a mother, sister or daughter has the disease, a woman has about double the risk. With two first-degree relatives with breast cancer, her risk increases five-fold, according to the American Cancer Society.
October 1, 2009
Can intimacy survive cancer?
Intimacy vs. cancer: It's the 2,000-pound elephant in the bedroom. Does intimacy have to end when a partner is diagnosed with cancer? There is no question that feelings of sexual desire and intimacy may change when a loved one is undergoing cancer treatmentÂ…and understandably so. But intimacy can survive cancer; in fact, it can improve.
October 1, 2009
Can breast cancer be prevented?
Eating healthy foods and staying fit can help prevent breast cancer. But breast cancer may strike despite your best efforts to follow a healthy lifestyle.
October 1, 2009
What are the different types of breast cancer?
If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, learning more about which type you have gives you a better handle on discussing treatment options with your doctors and understanding your prognosis. There are no one-size-fits-all treatments, so keep informed and work closely with your health care providers to ensure you get the best possible care.
October 1, 2009
Why do I need a routine mammogram?
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women behind lung cancer. The risk for women of getting it in their lifetime is about 1 in 8, though the risk of dying from it is 1 in 28, says the University of Pennsylvania's Oncolink resource. Men can get it, too but the risk is much lower.
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