Do older women need to undergo regular mammograms?
As a woman ages, her risk of getting breast cancer will increase. All women 40 and over should have a yearly mammogram.
Do antiperspirants cause breast cancer?
Studies have not shown an association between the use of antiperspirants and breast cancer.
Is a woman at risk for breast cancer if there is no family history of the disease?
Every woman has some risk of breast cancer. In fact, approximately 80% of women who get breast cancer have no known family history of the disease.
Can only the mother’s family history of breast cancer affect a woman’s risk factor?
A history of breast cancer in both the mother’s and father’s families will influence a woman’s risk factor equally. Remember: Half of all genes come from each parent.
Do women with fibrocystic breasts have an increased risk for breast cancer?
Fibrocystic change is a benign breast condition and does not increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. It is recommended that women follow the American Cancer Society breast cancer screening guidelines for appropriate screening of breast tissue.
Does having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation mean a woman will get breast cancer?
No. Two breast cancer genes have been identified—BRCA1 and BRCA2—that significantly increase the risk of breast cancer by 85%. However, only about 5-10% of breast cancer cases are related to one of these genes and not every woman who has a change in these genes will go on to develop breast cancer.
Do males not get breast cancer?
While breast cancer in men is rare, approximately 1,900 men are diagnosed each year. This accounts for less than one-percent of all breast cancers.
Can high fat foods increase the risk of breast cancer?
Studies in the United States have not found a solid link between eating high fat foods and an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Ongoing studies are attempting to clarify this issue. However, excessive body weight is a risk factor for breast cancer; therefore, avoidance of a high fat diet is a healthy choice.
Can trauma or injury to the breast cause cancer?
Injury or trauma to the breast does not cause breast cancer. A person can develop a lump following an injury and a mammogram may be performed. Occasionally a breast cancer can be found on this mammogram, but it is not related to the injury.
Can electro-magnetic fields (EMFs), such as power lines, microwave ovens, and electric blankets cause breast cancer?
The majority of epidemiological studies have shown no relationship between breast cancer in women and magnetic fields from electrical appliances, power lines, or electric blankets.
Is nipple discharge always cancerous?
Most nipple discharge does not indicate a breast cancer. Studies have shown that greater than 50% of women with nipple discharge have no disease. However a very small percentage of breast cancers present with discharge from the nipple. All nipple discharge should be evaluated by your physician.
Can oral contraceptives cause breast cancer?
Recent studies have found that modern birth control pills have no effect on lifetime breast cancer risks. Women at high risk of developing breast cancer should discuss any concerns about oral contraceptives with their physicians.
Is a painful breast lump always benign?
Only a small percentage (less than 10%) of breast pain is associated with breast cancer. The pain may accompany a breast lump. Almost all breast pain is due to other causes. Any breast pain or lump should be evaluated by your physician.
Should women who have had breast cancer not become pregnant due to the high estrogen levels during pregnancy?
Studies have shown that the hormonal changes during pregnancy do not typically pose any significant risk of recurrent breast cancer.
Will a prophylactic mastectomy prevent breast cancer?
While a prophylactic mastectomy (a surgical treatment used to prevent a disease) can reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer by approximately 90%, it does not guarantee that breast cancer will not occur. Cancer can occur in any remaining tissue or in the scar in about 8-10% of women after a mastectomy.
Have underwire bras been linked to breast cancer?
A link between underwire bras and breast cancer has not been documented.
Does surgery open up the cancer to the air and make it spread?
Surgery does not cause cancer to spread. Any spread of the breast cancer found after surgery was present in the body prior to surgery.
Is a mastectomy a better choice than having a lumpectomy with radiation therapy?
While there is a slight increased chance of recurrence with a lumpectomy and radiation therapy, the overall survival of women having either surgery is the same. Therefore, having a mastectomy or a lumpectomy with radiation are both safe. It is important to discuss your options with your surgeon to determine which procedure is appropriate for you.
Is a mastectomy better if you have a strong family history of breast cancer in your family?
Having breast cancer in your family does not mean that your disease should be treated differently from someone who does not have a family history. Discuss your options with your surgeon.
Will your arm be swollen for the rest of your life if your lymph nodes are removed?
Arm swelling (lymphedema), numbness, and discomfort occur in only 5-10% of cases. The risk of lymphedema increases to 25% if you have had all of your lymph nodes removed under your arm. (This procedure is called a full axillary lymph node dissection). Radiation to the axilla can also increase the likelihood of lymphedema. Recent data suggests that full axillary lymph node dissection may be able to be done less frequently than in the past. Be sure to discuss with your surgeon under what circumstances you may need additional lymph node removal.
Do breast implants cause breast cancer?
Several studies have found that implants do not increase breast cancer risk. Implants do alter the visualization of breast tissue on standard mammograms, but additional X-ray pictures (called implant displacement views) can be used to more adequately examine the breast tissue.
