Category: Male Breast Cancer

By MHN Author

Why during breast cancer awareness month is the issue of male breast cancer never addressed?

Never? I seem to recall that a couple of years ago Breakthrough Breast Cancer made it a major focus of BCAM.

And with only a day of BCAM to go, it took me a couple of minutes to find these article on the a few of the major breast cancer sites.

http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/breast_ca…

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/node/…

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/typ…

Damn, I wish people would stop using the term ‘male breast cancer’. Even the breast cancer websites are doing it now. There’s no such thing as ‘male breast cancer’, it’s ‘breast cancer’; the breast cancers men get are the same as the breast cancers women get, and treated the same way.

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By MHN Author

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Treatment: Johns Hopkins Breast Center

What are the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer?

Inflammatory breast cancer, also called IBC, is an aggressive and fast growing cancer. In the past, it commonly was misdiagnosed as mastitis or dermatitis because it can look like an infection of the breast or a rash on the skin of the breast. If you do have a rash or suspect an infection, promptly see your gynecologist or primary care physician.

Most of the time, the infection or rash clears after treatment with topical cream or oral antibiotics. If your rash or infection does not heal after one week of treatment, make an appointment with a breast specialist immediately.

How is inflammatory breast cancer diagnosed?

Same Day Results

We know how quickly patients want results from a biopsy or scan if there is a suspicion of breast cancer, so we follow strict guidelines for biopsies and pathology reports. Most of our patients will receive the probability of breast cancer immediately following their biopsy, and a pathology confirmation within 24 hours. A diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer is confirmed by obtaining tissue from the skin of the breast during a skin punch biopsy. If a patient has inflammatory breast cancer, the pathology report will indicate that breast cancer cells are present in the dermal lymphatics.

Learn more about the steps of diagnosis, including:

What is the treatment for inflammatory breast cancer?

Inflammatory breast cancer is a fast and aggressive cancer that needs to be treated as such. A diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer is classified as stage III breast cancer. Treatment is as follows:

The Breast Center is consistently focused on using cutting-edge techniques for the effective treatment of breast cancer. Research is a critical part of our program and we lead clinical trials for the investigation of new treatment methods.

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By MHN Author

Order a publication | Download free breast cancer information leaflets

The following publications are available to download now or order a printed version. 

Breast cancer – The key facts

Over 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK. This guide will give you information on breast cancer awareness, risks and diagnosis.

breast cancer - the key facts

Touch, look, check – A5 leaflet

The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed the better the chances of successful treatment. Download or order this leaflet to learn how to check your breasts for signs of cancer.

TLC - touch look check guidance to checking your breasts

Touch, look, check – mini guide (credit-card sized)

Download or order this pocket-sized guide to learn how to check your breasts for signs of cancer.

TLC - touch look check guidance to checking your breasts

What causes breast cancer?

Download this leaflet to learn about what can cause breast cancer and how to reduce your risk.

What causes breast cancer leaflet

Breast Check Now poster (A3 size)

Download this A3 poster to help promote the Breast Check Now App. 

Breast Check Now leaflet - A3 and A4

Breast Check Now poster (A4 size)

Download this A4 poster to help promote our Breast Check Now App.

Breast Check Now leaflet - A3 and A4

More information 

If you can’t find what you are looking for have a look through our about breast cancer section – which has further information about the diagnosis, treatment and causes of breast cancer and information on breast cancer in men, breast screening, how family history can affect your risk of breast cancer and an online guide to secondary breast cancer.

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By MHN Author

Metastatic Breast Cancer – Stage IV

Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer) is not a specific type of breast cancer, but rather the most advanced stage of breast cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body (most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain).

Although metastatic breast cancer has spread to another part of the body, it’s considered and treated as breast cancer.

For example, breast cancer that has spread to the bones is still breast cancer (not bone cancer) and is treated with breast cancer drugs, rather than treatments for a cancer that began in the bones.

It’s estimated that at least 154,000 people in the U.S. have metastatic breast cancer [14]. Some women have metastatic breast cancer when they are first diagnosed (called de novo metastatic breast cancer). However, this isn’t common in the U.S. (6 percent of diagnoses) [15].

Most often, metastatic breast cancer arises months or years after a person has completed treatment for early or locally advanced breast cancer. This is sometimes called a distant recurrence.

Learn more about breast cancer recurrence.

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Komen Perspectives

Read our perspective on living with metastatic breast cancer (November 2016).*

Learn More

Treatment

Although metastatic breast cancer currently cannot be cured, it can still be treated.

Treatment of metastatic breast cancer focuses on length and quality of life.

Treatment is guided by many factors, including:

  • The biology of the tumor (characteristics of the cancer cells)
  • Where the cancer has spread
  • Symptoms
  • Past breast cancer treatments 

Learn more about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.

Learn about symptom management and supportive care.

Learn about support groups and other sources of support.

Prognosis

Survival for metastatic breast cancer varies greatly from person to person.

Of the women who have metastatic breast cancer in the U.S. today, it’s estimated that 34 percent have had metastatic cancer for at least 5 years [14]. So, they’ve lived at least 5 years since being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

Modern treatments continue to improve survival for most women diagnosed today. In fact, some women may live 10 years or more after their diagnosis [16].

SUSAN G. KOMEN® SUPPORT RESOURCES  
  • Our Breast Care Helpline 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) provides free, professional support services to anyone with breast cancer questions or concerns, including people with metastatic breast cancer and their families. Calls are answered by a trained and caring staff member Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET and from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT. You can also email the helpline at helpline@komen.org.
  • Komen Affiliates offer breast health education as well as fund breast cancer programs through local community organizations. Your local Affiliate can also help you find breast cancer resources in your area. Find your local Affiliate.
  • Our Family and Friends section has detailed information and resources for loved ones.
  • Our Family, Friends and Caregivers forum within the Message Boards offers loved ones a place to share their own unique experiences and challenges.
  • Our fact sheets, booklets and other education materials offer additional information. 

 

*Please note, the information provided within Komen Perspectives articles is only current as of the date of posting. Therefore, some information may be out of date at this time.


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By MHN Author

Herceptin® (trastuzumab) and Breast Cancer

Approximately 1 in 5 patients with breast cancer has HER2+ breast cancer.1 If you have HER2+ breast cancer, Herceptin is a therapy designed to help fight your kind of cancer.

How HER2+ breast cancer is different

Not all breast cancers are the same. HER2+ breast cancer cells have more HER2 receptors (a particular protein found on the surface of cells) than normal breast cells.

  • Having too many HER2 receptors may make the cancer cells grow and divide faster, creating more HER2+ cancer cells
  • HER2+ breast cancer is considered aggressive because it grows and spreads quickly

Herceptin is available for some women with HER2+ breast cancer.

Aggressive cancers are cancers that grow and spread very quickly. HER2+ breast cancer (your doctor may call it “HER2-overexpressing breast cancer”) is considered aggressive because the cells have too many HER2 receptors, which cause the cells to grow and divide too quickly.

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Who is Herceptin for?

Adjuvant Breast Cancer

Herceptin is approved for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer that is Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+) and has spread into the lymph nodes, or is HER2-positive and has not spread into the lymph nodes. If it has not spread into the lymph nodes, the cancer needs to be estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative or have one high-risk feature.* Herceptin can be used in several different ways:

  • As part of a treatment course including the chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and either paclitaxel or docetaxel. This treatment course is known as “AC→TH”
  • With the chemotherapy drugs docetaxel and carboplatin. This treatment course is known as “TCH”
  • Alone after treatment with multiple other therapies, including an anthracycline (doxorubicin) based therapy (a type of chemotherapy)

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for Herceptin

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Herceptin has 2 approved uses in metastatic breast cancer:

  • Herceptin in combination with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel is approved for the first line treatment of Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer
  • Herceptin alone is approved for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer in patients who have received one or more chemotherapy courses for metastatic disease

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for Herceptin

Early-stage and metastatic are different stages of cancer. A cancer’s stage refers to how much the cancer has grown and where it has spread. Staging systems help describe the cancer, so that your doctor can decide what treatments will be appropriate.

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HERCEPTIN is not for everyone. Be sure to contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

HEART PROBLEMS

These include heart problems—such as congestive heart failure or reduced heart function—with or without symptoms. The risk for and seriousness of these heart problems were highest in people who received both HERCEPTIN and a certain type of chemotherapy (anthracycline). In a study of adjuvant (early) breast cancer, one patient died of significantly weakened heart muscle. Your doctor will check for signs of heart problems before, during, and after treatment with HERCEPTIN.

INFUSION REACTIONS, including:

  • Fever and chills
  • Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
  • Throwing up (vomiting)
  • Pain (in some cases at tumor sites)
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath

These signs usually happen within 24 hours after receiving HERCEPTIN.

Indications and Important Safety Information

Gastric Cancer

Herceptin is approved, in combination with chemotherapy (cisplatin and either capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil), for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic cancer of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction (where the esophagus meets the stomach) in patients who have not received prior treatment for their metastatic disease.

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for Herceptin.

Adjuvant Breast Cancer

Herceptin is approved for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer that is Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+) and has spread into the lymph nodes, or is HER2-positive and has not spread into the lymph nodes. If it has not spread into the lymph nodes, the cancer needs to be estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative or have one high-risk feature.* Herceptin can be used in several different ways:

  • As part of a treatment course including the chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and either paclitaxel or docetaxel. This treatment course is known as “AC→TH”
  • With the chemotherapy drugs docetaxel and carboplatin. This treatment course is known as “TCH”
  • Alone after treatment with multiple other therapies, including an anthracycline (doxorubicin) based therapy (a type of chemotherapy)

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for Herceptin

Gastric Cancer

Herceptin is approved, in combination with chemotherapy (cisplatin and either capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil), for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic cancer of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction (where the esophagus meets the stomach) in patients who have not received prior treatment for their metastatic disease.

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for Herceptin.

Important Patient Safety Information

Possible Serious Side Effects With HERCEPTIN

Not all people have serious side effects, but side effects with HERCEPTIN therapy are common.

Although some people may have a life-threatening side effect, most do not.

Your doctor will stop treatment if any serious side effects occur.

HERCEPTIN is not for everyone. Be sure to contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

These signs usually happen within 24 hours after receiving HERCEPTIN.

Be sure to contact your doctor if you:

Side Effects Seen Most Often With HERCEPTIN

Some patients receiving HERCEPTIN for breast cancer had the following side effects:

  • Fever
  • Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
  • Throwing up (vomiting)
  • Infusion reactions
  • Diarrhea
  • Infections
  • Increased cough
  • Headache
  • Feeling tired
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rash
  • Low white and red blood cell counts
  • Muscle pain

Some patients receiving HERCEPTIN for metastatic stomach cancer had the following side effects:

  • Low white blood cell counts
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling tired
  • Low red blood cell counts
  • Swelling of the mouth lining
  • Weight loss
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Fever
  • Low platelet counts
  • Swelling of the mucous membranes
  • Swelling of the nose and throat
  • Change in taste

You should contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the side effects listed above.

You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1–800–FDA–1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1–888–835–2555.

Please see additional select Important Safety Information throughout, and the accompanying full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS.

Herceptin®, its logo and the Access Solutions logo are registered trademarks of Genentech, Inc.

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By MHN Author

Sample Essays on Breast Cancer

Sometimes students are puzzled by the fact that teachers give them assignments on complicated and adverse topics, such as abuse, serious illnesses and other occurrences in human life that can make one feel distressed, especially if these assignments contain a morally debated issue. A breast cancer essay is not an assignment students take without second thought. On the contrary, most students keep asking why they even need to write essays on such adverse topics.

Well, the reason is evident – while you are working on a breast cancer essay, you increase your own awareness, as well as the awareness of all the people who are in the group, if this is a group assignment, or even in your entire class. Even if you don’t get a chance to present your research in front of the class, you still must acquire valuable information while doing the research to write the paper.

Nevertheless, we understand that such topics can be particularly stressful, and we are always ready to help. First of all, check these sample essays to get a better idea how you can handle this topic in writing. Secondly, you can always place an order to get an essay created by our academic writers. We will make college education easy and fun for you!

Should Women Who Struggled with Cancer Have Babies?

A tumor or cancer is by definition a neoplastic process where abnormal cellular growth takes place and in which all the newly formed tumor cells are descendants of a single cell that gained the ability to replicate continuously and autonomously (Alison pt. 3; ch. 39).

Accordingly to World Health Organization (WHO), cancer, which accounted for 8.8 million deaths in 2015 (being the second cause of death globally) is expected to increase by about 70% in the next twenty years putting this question right before our eyes (who.int).

There are several types of cancer, and thus we cannot generalize but some previous studies on breast cancer and pregnancy concluded that “is possible for women treated for breast cancer and does not seem to be associated with a worse prognosis for their breast cancer although this evidence was not conclusive as some factors, namely the non representation of the entire population and the ‘healthy mother effect’ could influence the conclusions“ (Surbone et al.). A similar conclusion was drawn from women treated for Hodgkin Lymphoma, as “no significant associations between pregnancy outcomes and therapeutic approaches were found“ (De Sanctis et al.).

However recent studies have concluded that women treated for cervical cancer had elevated the risk of “preterm birth and low birth weight when compared to unexposed women and women with cervical diagnostic procedures” suggesting that “increased risk derives from the treatment itself, not from the characteristics” (Weinmann et al.).

Another study concluded that “women with a breast cancer history were at higher risk of delivering a preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA) infant, especially if they received chemotherapy or gave birth within 2 years of their breast cancer diagnosis date“ changing the prior paradigm (Black et al.).

Despite some controversy in the facts about cancer and pregnancy, scientists agree that further investigation is needed to address this particular question, but maybe we need to address it from different points of view, as scientific knowledge should pave the way but ethical questions should also be asked.

Works Cited

Alison, Malcolm. The Cancer Handbook. 2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons, 2007.
“Cancer.” World Health Organization, www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/. Accessed 14 Mar. 2017.
Surbone, Antonella, et al. Cancer and Pregnancy. Springer, 2008.
De Sanctis, Vitaliana, et al. “Impact of Different Treatment Approaches on Pregnancy Outcomes in 99 Women Treated for Hodgkin Lymphoma.” International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, vol. 84, no. 3, Nov. 2012, pp. 755–761. ResearchGate, doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2011.12.066.
Weinmann, Sheila, et al. “Pregnancy Outcomes after Treatment for Cervical Cancer Precursor Lesions: An Observational Study.” Plos One, vol. 12, no. 2, Jan. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0165276.
Black, Kristin Zeneé, et al. “Prevalence of Preterm, Low Birthweight, and Small for Gestational Age Delivery after Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Population-Based Study.” Breast Cancer Research, vol. 19, no. 1, Dec. 2017, p. 11. BMC, doi:10.1186/s13058-017-0803-z.

How to Reduce the Risk of Having Breast Cancer?

Today, breast cancer ranks second after skin cancer regarding prevalence among women around the world. Unfortunately, the morbidity rate is growing every year, regardless of the women’s race or ethnicity. The most frightening in this disease is that breast cancer is rather complicated to detect in the first stages. Thereby, when a woman is diagnosed with this type of cancer, the tumor is already progressing. It is very difficult to cure, the treatment is painful and not always successful. For this reason, mortality from breast cancer is also one of the highest among other types of cancer. In view of this, it is essential to take all possible measures to reduce the risk of having breast cancer.

According to this year World Cancer Research Fund International analysis, the main factors that lower the risk of breast cancer were determined. Among them were the balanced diet, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining the weight norm, physical activity. A significant part of the diet is choosing the right foods. It is necessary to exclude foods that are high in fat and low in fiber, and avoid consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar. To do this, one should eat less fast food and other energy-dense products, and replace them with relatively unprocessed energy-dense foods rich in beneficial vegetable oils. It will also be useful to reduce the portions. Increasing the diet share of grains and legumes, as well as vegetables and fruits without starch, will also have a positive effect. It is recommended to eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits a day, and limit the consumption of refined starchy foods. Fruit of different colors, such as red, yellow, white, purple, orange, and allium vegetables, such as garlic,
 will be healthy as well. As for the meat products, a woman should consume less red meat and avoid the processed one. It is essential to reduce salt intake and minimize the amount of moldy cereals and grains in food. In addition, any dietary supplements negatively affect the diet and do not contribute to risk reduction. It should be mentioned that it is better not to drink alcohol for the prevention of cancer. If it can not be eliminated from the diet completely, it would be rational to minimize its consumption. It is still unknown how exactly alcohol affects the development of cancer in women and which women are more affected by it, but the restriction in its consumption is vital for women who have other risk factors such as cases of breast cancer in close relatives.

According to the research, such problems as obesity, overweight and weight gain increase the risk of developing 11 cancer types, and breast cancer is one of them. The maintaining of healthy weight will help to reduce the danger of having the disease. This is specifically immediate for the women after menopause since it is associated with the estrogen production in fat tissues. Regular exercising and a balanced diet should contribute to keeping a woman’s weight low within the healthy range. Generally, women need to avoid increases in the waist and weight gain during adulthood, however, excessive weight gained in childhood can encumber to do it.

The next advice is to maintain physical activity. A woman should dedicate to the moderate physical exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Fast walking or jogging can be good equivalents, but also exercises can be part of transport, occupational, leisure, and household activity. The small physical drills several times a day will be more effective than one long training session. Yet it is worth keeping in mind not only to exercise but also to rest after it, so as not to overwork the body and accumulate the energy spent. However, it is even better if one has an opportunity to exercise longer and more intensely. Also, a woman should not forget about the limitation of sedentary habits, especially with regard to sitting work, watching TV and cooking. It does not matter how much exercise you get, as sitting increases the chance of cancer development, especially for women. This will speed up the metabolism and spend the accumulated energy.

Breastfeeding mothers compound a separate risk group. According to the results of the study, to a large extent, the risk is not related to the number of children breastfed, although it was observed that prolonged breastfeeding led to a lower risk of breast cancer (Brinton et al.). If a mother is able to, she is recommended to breastfeed her baby for about six months. This implies the rejection of any additional food except for mother’s milk. Thus, breastfeeding contributes to the health of both mother and child.

Another important factor to pay attention to is the avoidance of hormone therapy. In the past, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was commonly used as a remedy against cold sweats, flashes of heat during the menopause. “But researchers now know that postmenopausal women who take a combination of estrogen and progestin may be more likely to develop breast cancer” (Simon). Only five years after the end of the course of hormone intake, the risk of breast cancer is reduced to the standard level.

In addition, it is necessary to remember the importance of regular health checks. Studies and screenings do not help protect against cancer, but they signal the appearance of threatening signs like polyps in the intestines or suspicious moles. Specialists recommend starting testing from the age of 20. Women need to do mammography every year after they turn 45. It is always better to recognize the disease beforehand and take the necessary measures than to miss the moment and cure with expensive and painful methods.

Considering all the above, it is crucial for women to be aware of the risk of having breast cancer and of the basic measures to prevent it. Of course, there are many other risk factors to be taken into account, but compliance with these methods alone will lead to a significant improvement in the situation. As the fight against this disease remains one of the greatest problems of our time and requires constant active strivings of the world community. Following the methods described here, women will be able to protect their health significantly. All these measures are simple to practice and should not take a lot of effort and time. Nowadays, a person can easily afford to monitor personal weight and diet, find time for daily exercise and training, give up on bad habits. It is not such a big payment for staying healthy and not to have such a terrible disease as breast cancer.

Works Cited

“Breast Cancer.” World Cancer Research Fund, 12 Sept. 2018, www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/breast-cancer. Accessed 7 Sep. 2017
Brinton, L., et al. “Breastfeeding and breast cancer risk.” Cancer Causes Control, vol. 6, no. 3, May 1995, pp.199-208.
Simon, Stacy. “Five Ways to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk.”American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/latest-news/five-ways-to-reduce-your-breast-cancer-risk.html. Accessed 7 Sep. 2017.

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By MHN Author

Breast Cancer Treatment Introduction | Susan G. Komen®

This section discusses treatment for early and locally-advanced breast cancers.

Learn about treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Learn about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.

Breast cancer treatment

The goal of treating early and locally-advanced breast cancers (stages I, II and III) is to get rid of the cancer and keep it from coming back.

Treatment includes some combination of:

These treatments are designed to remove the cancer from the breast and destroy any cancer that might still be in the body.

Your breast cancer treatment plan

Your breast cancer treatment plan is based on both medical and personal choices.

Together, you and your health care provider make breast cancer treatment decisions. After you get a recommended treatment plan from your provider, take time to study your treatment options and make thoughtful, informed decisions. Each treatment option has risks and benefits to consider along with your own values and lifestyle.

Your treatment is tailored to:

  • Your specific breast cancer (the biology of the tumor)
  • The stage of the breast cancer
  • Your overall health, age and other medical issues
  • Your personal preferences

Because of the differences between tumors and between people, your treatment plan may differ from another’s, even though you both have breast cancer.

Breast cancer treatment can be divided into local and systemic therapy.

Local therapy

Local therapy removes the cancer from a limited (local) area, such as the breast, chest wall or lymph nodes in the underarm area.

It also helps ensure the cancer doesn’t come back in that area.

Local therapy involves surgery, with or without radiation therapy to the breast area.

Systemic therapy (adjuvant therapy)

The goal of systemic therapy is to get rid of cancer cells that may have spread from the breast to other parts of the body. These cells are too small to see on scans or to measure with lab tests.

Systemic therapy uses drug therapies that travel throughout the body to get rid of cancer cells. It includes chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy.

Some drug therapies are given by vein (through an IV) and others are given in pill form.

Because systemic therapy is used in addition to (an adjunct to) breast surgery, these treatments are often called adjuvant therapy.

Learn about factors that affect treatment options.

Managing side effects (palliative care) and supportive care

Managing side effects and supportive care are important parts of breast cancer treatment. 

  • Palliative care aims to prevent or relieve side effects (such as pain or nausea).
  • Supportive care includes palliative care as well as care of your emotional, social, spiritual and practical needs.

How age affects your treatment plan

No matter your age, your treatment plan depends on many factors, such as tumor stage, tumor grade, hormone receptor status and HER2 status. 

Your overall health and other health conditions also play a role.

For example, if you have heart disease, some medications used to treat breast cancer can do more harm than good.

All of these things, as well as your age, are considered when planning your treatment.

Young women

Young women with breast cancer may have special concerns about early menopause and loss of fertility due to treatment.

Learn about these issues for young women with breast cancer.

Your health care team

Throughout your treatment and beyond, you will get care from many health care providers. 

Your health care team may include: 

  • Physicians involved in cancer treatment (oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists)
  • Physicians involved in other care for people with breast cancer (radiologists, pathologists, genetic counselors and others)
  • Nurses
  • Dietitians
  • Social workers
  • Physical therapists
  • Palliative care or pain specialists
  • Patient navigators
  • Pharmacists
  • Other providers

These professionals may be involved in your care during diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Learn about choosing a physician.

Staying organized

It may be helpful to use a notebook, 3-ring binder or other organizer to keep track of your breast cancer treatments and health care team.

You may want to include:

  • A directory of the names, addresses and contact information for your health care team
  • Insurance information
  • Medication lists
  • Pharmacy contact information
  • Other medical information
  • A calendar to help plan and keep track of appointments
  • Blank paper to write down questions and answers or to record any side effects you are having or other information for your health care team
  • Pockets to store materials  

 

The importance of following your breast cancer treatment plan

Completing your breast cancer treatment plan (called adherence or compliance) is very important. People who complete the full course of treatment have a higher chance of survival.

Sometimes completing your treatment plan may be hard, but there are things you can do to make it easier.

First, tell your health care provider right away if you have any side effects. Your provider may be able to help. Having fewer side effects can help you complete your treatment plan.

Sticking to your treatment plan can be very hard for long-term treatments, such as hormone therapy.

Planning ahead can help you juggle your treatment and daily life. For example, if you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, a daily pillbox or setting an alarm on your watch or mobile device (you may be able to download an app) may help [1].

Learn more about the importance of following your breast cancer treatment plan.

Insurance issues and financial assistance

Insurance issues (such as what to do if a claim is denied) can be a major concern while you are being treated for breast cancer.

Paying for medications and other out-of-pocket expenses can also be a burden.

Learn about insurance and financial assistance programs.

Transportation, lodging, child care and elder care assistance

If you need help getting to and from treatments or if you (or your family) need a place to stay overnight while getting treatment, there are programs that can help.

There are also programs to help with the cost of child care and elder care while you are undergoing treatment.

Learn about transportation, lodging, child care and elder care assistance programs.

Susan G. Komen®’s Breast Care Helpline:
1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636)  

Calls to our Breast Care Helpline are answered by a trained and caring staff member Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET and from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT. Our helpline provides free, professional support services to anyone with breast cancer questions or concerns, including people diagnosed with breast cancer and their families.

You can also email the helpline at helpline@komen.org.


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By MHN Author

The Wisdom Study | Edith Sanford Breast Center

Ending Breast Screening Confusion

Edith Sanford Breast Center is seeking answers about the right way to screen women for breast cancer through the WISDOM Study. Knowing how often you need to get a mammogram can be confusing. Guidelines have been changing, leaving many women confused about when to begin and how often screening is needed. The WISDOM Study hopes to end the confusion, and create the most effective screening protocols for women in every stage of health care.

Join the Study

Be one of the 100,000 women sharing their WISDOM. Any woman between age 40 to 74 who has never had breast cancer can participate. Participants will be placed or select to participate in one of two arms of the study, either annual or personalized screening, all while continuing to receive the highest quality of care.

Signing up for the WISDOM Study is simple. All of the steps can be completed at home at your own convenience. Just click here to get started, and you will be directed to a page in which you can tell us more about yourself. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be asked to sign a consent form and fill out an additional survey online.

For more information about the study or to discuss any questions, call 1-87-SURVIVAL (1-877-878-4825).

Join Now Sign In

Dr. Andrea Kaster is the co-principal investigator of the WISDOM study at Sanford Health. She is board-certified in family medicine and focuses on preventive medicine and breast health at Edith Sanford Breast Center.

“With so many recommendations for breast cancer screening out there, it can be hard for patients and providers to know what is the right approach for them. Clinical studies like WISDOM help us use the latest in imaging and genetics along with a patients personal history to determine how best to screen women for breast cancer. Through this study, I hope that we will be able to contribute to developing a more personalized approach to breast cancer screening.

Learn More.

Dr. Melinda Talley is the co-principal investigator of the Sanford Health WISDOM study. She is a board-certified, fellowship-trained breast imaging radiologist and the Lead Breast Imager at Edith Sanford Breast Center.

“The WISDOM study can be a valuable source of information for our patients. As physicians we assist our patients in making optimal health care decisions. This task is best accomplished with the most accurate information available and trials like this make it possible.

Learn More.


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By MHN Author

Should I Have Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer? Teton County, Idaho

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor’s recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Breast Cancer: Should I Have Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer?

Get the facts

Your options

  • Have chemotherapy after your surgery for early-stage breast cancer.
  • Don’t have chemotherapy.

This information is for those who are deciding about chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. It is not about surgery or hormone therapy.

Key points to remember

  • Chemotherapy (“chemo”) is sometimes used after surgery for early-stage breast cancer to help lower the chances that your breast cancer will come back.
  • Some types of cancer have a very small chance of coming back. Women who have those types of cancer may not need chemo. There are gene tests that may show whether having chemo will help you reduce your chances that the cancer will return.
  • Your age, type of cancer, tumor size, and hormone receptor status have an effect on how well chemo will work to keep your cancer from coming back.
  • Different medicines used for chemo have different side effects. Your doctor can give you other medicines to help you deal with side effects like nausea and vomiting. Some women are bothered a lot by the side effects, but some aren’t.
  • The drugs used for chemo can be very expensive. Insurance policies don’t always cover the whole cost. If you have no insurance, your doctor may be able to help you find drug companies or organizations that will help you pay for this treatment.

FAQs

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. These cells can invade nearby tissues and form a mass, called a malignant tumor. The cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

The first treatment for early-stage breast cancer usually includes surgery and sometimes radiation. Your doctor may also talk to you about added treatment, such as chemotherapy (“chemo”) and hormone therapy, that may help keep cancer from coming back.

Some people think of added treatment as an insurance policy designed to destroy any cancer cells that may still be in the body.

It isn’t possible for all women to know for sure who will benefit from added treatment. But if you have early-stage, estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer with no cancer in the lymph nodes, you may have a gene test. Gene tests, such as the Oncotype DX, may be done on the cancerous tissue that was removed to look for tumor markers. These tests can give your doctor important information about whether chemotherapy will help you.

The type of added treatment you have depends on the stage and classification of your breast cancer:

  • Stage: How far the cancer has spread in your breast and whether it has spread to nearby tissues or other organs is called the stage. This is one of the most important things in choosing the treatment option that is right for you. If breast cancer cells have spread to your lymph nodes, there is a greater risk that they may also have spread to other places in your body. Added treatment, including chemo, may help destroy cancer cells in your body.
  • Classification: Breast cancer is classified according to what the cancer cells look like under a microscope. This tells your doctor how fast the cancer cells are growing and dividing and where they may have started in the breast tissue. If your cancer cells are growing and dividing quickly, then chemo may help you. When cancer is the kind that grows quickly, doctors call it “aggressive” or “poorly differentiated.” Breast cancers are also classified by types, such as hormone-receptor-positive or triple-negative.

Different chemotherapy medicines tend to cause different side effects. Many women do not have problems with these side effects, while other women are bothered a lot. There are other medicines you can take to treat the side effects of chemo.

Talk to your doctor about the type of chemotherapy medicine that he or she is planning to give you. Ask about any side effects that the chemo may cause.

Short-term side effects can include:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Fatigue.
  • Hair thinning or hair loss.
  • Mouth sores.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Increased chance of bruising, bleeding, and infection.
  • Memory and concentration problems.

Long-term side effects of chemotherapy can include:

  • Early menopause, which means not being able to have children anymore. It also can include symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and thinning bones (osteoporosis).
  • Concentration problems that may last for many months after your treatments are finished.
  • In rare cases, heart damage and a higher risk of other types of cancers, such as leukemia.

Your doctor might recommend chemotherapy (“chemo”) after surgery if:

  • You are younger than 35. Women younger than 35 usually have a more aggressive type of breast cancer.
  • Your breast cancer was bigger than a pea. Breast cancers that are at least 1 cm (0.4 in.) are more likely to come back later.
  • Your breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under your arm. If that’s the case, there is a bigger chance that the cancer may also have spread to other places in your body.
  • Your breast cancer is HER-2 positive or triple-negative. These types of cancer tend to grow faster and spread more quickly.

Your doctor may use a genetic test to find your risk for having your cancer come back. Or your doctor may use a computer program, such as Adjuvant!, to estimate your chances of having your breast cancer come back. This information can help you and your doctor decide about chemotherapy.

Compare your options

What is usually involved?

What are the benefits?

What are the risks and side effects?

Have chemotherapy after surgery Have chemotherapy after surgery

  • Most chemotherapy (chemo) medicines are injected into a vein in your hand or arm. This is called an IV. Sometimes the medicine is a pill that you take at home. Sometimes it’s a combination of the two.
  • You will go to a hospital or clinic for each IV treatment, but you won’t stay overnight. Treatments last from 10 minutes to an hour or longer.
  • You have a number of treatments several weeks apart. A complete course of chemotherapy may take a few months or a whole year.
  • Some women need to have a special catheter inserted if it’s hard to find a vein for the IV. This catheter stays in place between treatments.
  • Chemo may help keep breast cancer from coming back.
  • Breast cancer may come back anyway.
  • Short-term side effects may include such things as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and mouth sores.
  • Long-term side effects may include early menopause.

Don’t have chemotherapy Don’t have chemotherapy

  • You will have regular checkups with your doctor to make sure that the cancer hasn’t come back.
  • You avoid the side effects of chemo.
  • Depending on what type of breast cancer you have and how far it has spread, there may be a higher chance of your cancer coming back.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago. It was quite a shock. Even though my breast cancer was small and I did not have any cancer cells in my lymph nodes, I decided to take chemotherapy. My doctor said that even though it would not guarantee that the cancer would not come back, it would improve my chances for a cure. I was really worried about the side effects, but they were not that bad. I just wanted to do everything in my power to beat this breast cancer. My checkups have been fine so far, so I think I made the right choice.

Laurel, age 43

I was diagnosed with breast cancer about 3 years after I went through menopause. My breast cancer was small, and I did not have any cancer in my lymph nodes. I stopped taking my menopause hormones, had surgery and radiation, and have been taking tamoxifen ever since. I see my doctor a couple of times a year and so far have been okay. I’m going to ask my doctor if I’m a good candidate for switching to something like Arimidex. I hear that it’s a smart choice for some women.

Marty, age 56

I found out about my breast cancer earlier this year. I don’t have a family history of it or any of the risk factors that you read about. I chose to have a lumpectomy. My doctor had some gene tests done on the tissue that was removed during my surgery. The tests showed that my cancer was not very aggressive and that chemotherapy would not be helpful for me. So instead I’m taking letrozole every day. I am glad that there are tests for women with ER+ cancer that can show if chemo will help.

Brenda, age 57

I got breast cancer 2 years ago. What a surprise! I don’t have any family history (that I know of), and I don’t have the other risk factors that my doctor talked to me about. Fortunately, my breast cancer was really small, and it hadn’t traveled to the lymph nodes under my arm. My doctor used the Adjuvant! program and said that my chances of the cancer coming back were small, so I decided not to have the chemo. I keep in close contact with my doctor and really feel great. I think that passing on the chemo was the right decision for me.

Janice, age 40

I was diagnosed with breast cancer just last year. Thank goodness I have been having those mammograms. My breast cancer was small, and I didn’t have any cancer in the lymph nodes. I stopped taking my menopause hormones, and my doctor suggested that I try a medication called tamoxifen. I had a few hot flashes, but nothing bad. I feel really good and continue to see my doctor for checkups. I will take the tamoxifen for 2 years and then take something else. Who knows what will be on the market by then?

Paula, age 61

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have chemotherapy after surgery

Reasons not to have chemotherapy

I want to do everything possible to treat my breast cancer.

I would rather wait and see if my cancer comes back before I have more treatment.

More important

Equally important

More important

I would have strong feelings of failure if my breast cancer returned.

I know there’s no way to know for sure whether chemo would keep my cancer from coming back.

More important

Equally important

More important

I want to have the added treatment and be done with it.

I would be comfortable having frequent follow-ups, without treatment, to monitor my breast cancer.

More important

Equally important

More important

I feel ready to deal with the possible side effects of chemo.

I am very worried about the side effects.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you’ve thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having chemo

NOT having chemo

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

What else do you need to make your decision?

Certainty

1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

Not sure at all

Somewhat sure

Very sure

Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.

Your Summary

Here’s a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Next steps

Which way you’re leaning

How sure you are

Your comments

Key concepts that you understood

Key concepts that may need review

Credits

Author Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah A. Marshall, MD – Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Wendy Y. Chen, MD, MPH – Medical Oncology, Hematology

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor’s recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Breast Cancer: Should I Have Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer?

Here’s a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

  1. Get the facts
  2. Compare your options
  3. What matters most to you?
  4. Where are you leaning now?
  5. What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

  • Have chemotherapy after your surgery for early-stage breast cancer.
  • Don’t have chemotherapy.

This information is for those who are deciding about chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. It is not about surgery or hormone therapy.

Key points to remember

  • Chemotherapy (“chemo”) is sometimes used after surgery for early-stage breast cancer to help lower the chances that your breast cancer will come back.
  • Some types of cancer have a very small chance of coming back. Women who have those types of cancer may not need chemo. There are gene tests that may show whether having chemo will help you reduce your chances that the cancer will return.
  • Your age, type of cancer, tumor size, and hormone receptor status have an effect on how well chemo will work to keep your cancer from coming back.
  • Different medicines used for chemo have different side effects. Your doctor can give you other medicines to help you deal with side effects like nausea and vomiting. Some women are bothered a lot by the side effects, but some aren’t.
  • The drugs used for chemo can be very expensive. Insurance policies don’t always cover the whole cost. If you have no insurance, your doctor may be able to help you find drug companies or organizations that will help you pay for this treatment.

FAQs

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. These cells can invade nearby tissues and form a mass, called a malignant tumor. The cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

When is chemotherapy used to treat early-stage breast cancer?

The first treatment for early-stage breast cancer usually includes surgery and sometimes radiation. Your doctor may also talk to you about added treatment, such as chemotherapy (“chemo”) and hormone therapy, that may help keep cancer from coming back.

Some people think of added treatment as an insurance policy designed to destroy any cancer cells that may still be in the body.

It isn’t possible for all women to know for sure who will benefit from added treatment. But if you have early-stage, estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer with no cancer in the lymph nodes, you may have a gene test. Gene tests, such as the Oncotype DX, may be done on the cancerous tissue that was removed to look for tumor markers. These tests can give your doctor important information about whether chemotherapy will help you.

The type of added treatment you have depends on the stage and classification of your breast cancer:

  • Stage: How far the cancer has spread in your breast and whether it has spread to nearby tissues or other organs is called the stage. This is one of the most important things in choosing the treatment option that is right for you. If breast cancer cells have spread to your lymph nodes, there is a greater risk that they may also have spread to other places in your body. Added treatment, including chemo, may help destroy cancer cells in your body.
  • Classification: Breast cancer is classified according to what the cancer cells look like under a microscope. This tells your doctor how fast the cancer cells are growing and dividing and where they may have started in the breast tissue. If your cancer cells are growing and dividing quickly, then chemo may help you. When cancer is the kind that grows quickly, doctors call it “aggressive” or “poorly differentiated.” Breast cancers are also classified by types, such as hormone-receptor-positive or triple-negative.

What are the risks of chemotherapy?

Different chemotherapy medicines tend to cause different side effects. Many women do not have problems with these side effects, while other women are bothered a lot. There are other medicines you can take to treat the side effects of chemo.

Talk to your doctor about the type of chemotherapy medicine that he or she is planning to give you. Ask about any side effects that the chemo may cause.

Short-term side effects can include:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Fatigue.
  • Hair thinning or hair loss.
  • Mouth sores.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Increased chance of bruising, bleeding, and infection.
  • Memory and concentration problems.

Long-term side effects of chemotherapy can include:

  • Early menopause, which means not being able to have children anymore. It also can include symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and thinning bones (osteoporosis).
  • Concentration problems that may last for many months after your treatments are finished.
  • In rare cases, heart damage and a higher risk of other types of cancers, such as leukemia.

Why might your doctor recommend chemotherapy?

Your doctor might recommend chemotherapy (“chemo”) after surgery if:

  • You are younger than 35. Women younger than 35 usually have a more aggressive type of breast cancer.
  • Your breast cancer was bigger than a pea. Breast cancers that are at least 1 cm (0.4 in.) are more likely to come back later.
  • Your breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under your arm. If that’s the case, there is a bigger chance that the cancer may also have spread to other places in your body.
  • Your breast cancer is HER-2 positive or triple-negative. These types of cancer tend to grow faster and spread more quickly.

Your doctor may use a genetic test to find your risk for having your cancer come back. Or your doctor may use a computer program, such as Adjuvant!, to estimate your chances of having your breast cancer come back. This information can help you and your doctor decide about chemotherapy.

2. Compare your options

  Have chemotherapy after surgery Don’t have chemotherapy
What is usually involved?
  • Most chemotherapy (chemo) medicines are injected into a vein in your hand or arm. This is called an IV. Sometimes the medicine is a pill that you take at home. Sometimes it’s a combination of the two.
  • You will go to a hospital or clinic for each IV treatment, but you won’t stay overnight. Treatments last from 10 minutes to an hour or longer.
  • You have a number of treatments several weeks apart. A complete course of chemotherapy may take a few months or a whole year.
  • Some women need to have a special catheter inserted if it’s hard to find a vein for the IV. This catheter stays in place between treatments.
  • You will have regular checkups with your doctor to make sure that the cancer hasn’t come back.
What are the benefits?
  • Chemo may help keep breast cancer from coming back.
  • You avoid the side effects of chemo.
What are the risks and side effects?
  • Breast cancer may come back anyway.
  • Short-term side effects may include such things as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and mouth sores.
  • Long-term side effects may include early menopause.
  • Depending on what type of breast cancer you have and how far it has spread, there may be a higher chance of your cancer coming back.

Personal stories

Personal stories about choosing chemotherapy for breast cancer

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago. It was quite a shock. Even though my breast cancer was small and I did not have any cancer cells in my lymph nodes, I decided to take chemotherapy. My doctor said that even though it would not guarantee that the cancer would not come back, it would improve my chances for a cure. I was really worried about the side effects, but they were not that bad. I just wanted to do everything in my power to beat this breast cancer. My checkups have been fine so far, so I think I made the right choice.”

— Laurel, age 43

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer about 3 years after I went through menopause. My breast cancer was small, and I did not have any cancer in my lymph nodes. I stopped taking my menopause hormones, had surgery and radiation, and have been taking tamoxifen ever since. I see my doctor a couple of times a year and so far have been okay. I’m going to ask my doctor if I’m a good candidate for switching to something like Arimidex. I hear that it’s a smart choice for some women.”

— Marty, age 56

“I found out about my breast cancer earlier this year. I don’t have a family history of it or any of the risk factors that you read about. I chose to have a lumpectomy. My doctor had some gene tests done on the tissue that was removed during my surgery. The tests showed that my cancer was not very aggressive and that chemotherapy would not be helpful for me. So instead I’m taking letrozole every day. I am glad that there are tests for women with ER+ cancer that can show if chemo will help.”

— Brenda, age 57

“I got breast cancer 2 years ago. What a surprise! I don’t have any family history (that I know of), and I don’t have the other risk factors that my doctor talked to me about. Fortunately, my breast cancer was really small, and it hadn’t traveled to the lymph nodes under my arm. My doctor used the Adjuvant! program and said that my chances of the cancer coming back were small, so I decided not to have the chemo. I keep in close contact with my doctor and really feel great. I think that passing on the chemo was the right decision for me.”

— Janice, age 40

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer just last year. Thank goodness I have been having those mammograms. My breast cancer was small, and I didn’t have any cancer in the lymph nodes. I stopped taking my menopause hormones, and my doctor suggested that I try a medication called tamoxifen. I had a few hot flashes, but nothing bad. I feel really good and continue to see my doctor for checkups. I will take the tamoxifen for 2 years and then take something else. Who knows what will be on the market by then?”

— Paula, age 61

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have chemotherapy after surgery

Reasons not to have chemotherapy

I want to do everything possible to treat my breast cancer.

I would rather wait and see if my cancer comes back before I have more treatment.

More important

Equally important

More important

I would have strong feelings of failure if my breast cancer returned.

I know there’s no way to know for sure whether chemo would keep my cancer from coming back.

More important

Equally important

More important

I want to have the added treatment and be done with it.

I would be comfortable having frequent follow-ups, without treatment, to monitor my breast cancer.

More important

Equally important

More important

I feel ready to deal with the possible side effects of chemo.

I am very worried about the side effects.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you’ve thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having chemo

NOT having chemo

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1. Is chemo the main treatment for early-stage breast cancer?

You’re right. Chemotherapy is an added treatment, a sort of insurance policy designed to kill any cancer cells that may still be in your body after surgery.

2. Should every woman with early-stage breast cancer have chemotherapy?

You’re right. Not every woman will need chemo. It depends on what type of breast cancer she has and how far it has spread.

3. Are the side effects of chemo always bad?

That’s right. Some women are not bothered by side effects. Your doctor can give you other medicines to help you deal with side effects like nausea and vomiting.

Decide what’s next

1. Do you understand the options available to you?

2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?

3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

Certainty

1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

Not sure at all

Somewhat sure

Very sure

2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.

  • I’m ready to take action.
  • I want to discuss the options with others.
  • I want to learn more about my options.

Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah A. Marshall, MD – Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Wendy Y. Chen, MD, MPH – Medical Oncology, Hematology

Note: The “printer friendly” document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

Current as of: March 27, 2018

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:Sarah A. Marshall, MD – Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Wendy Y. Chen, MD, MPH – Medical Oncology, Hematology

Article Source

By MHN Author

Gynecomastia Breast Cancer Risk – Gynecomastia Lima

Gynecomastia is a medical condition which occurs in men, which features unwanted tissue at the chest region. This condition may cause higher levels of anxiousness. Numerous of these guys steer clear of circumstances where it’s demanded to pull off your tops, such as going to a public swimming pool area. There can be various factors that produce male breasts. Among the more popular factors is fat loss, which can leave behind a bit of drooping skin at the chest area.Fortunately, you will discover plenty of gynecomastia (male breast reduction) possibilities out there in your city.

Before you have the male breast reduction surgery in your city, you will have to pick out the strategy. You could opt for a liposuction treatment or an excision, where the additional tissue will be removed surgically, and of course, these 2 could also be paired in a gynecomastia surgery. Prior to selecting, speak with the surgeon and hear what he has to say regarding this topic. However, there is a replacement for a surgical treatment, gynecomastia pills assure very similar outcomes without ending up on an operating desk. Even though pills are non-invasive, the process of diminishment is much more continuous.

If you are concerned about the male breast reduction price in your city, it is commonly about $6,000. We are unable to get more specific than this, since one can find certain aspects which influence the cost, and these can be put into two classes. There are the attributes of the center and the specialists, like the practical experience of the surgeon. Also, each client offers a distinctive situation, he has his specific demands. Ultimately, the only way to get an accurate evaluation of your gynecomastia cost is to ask your surgeon.

Now, in case you underwent a surgical procedure, you’ll have to deal with a gynecomastia recovery process after. If perhaps you decided to go with the gynecomastia pills, you’re free of this process. If things turn pretty hard, clients ought to always get in touch with their physicians, they are going to be there constantly to assist them. In circumstances like this, the cosy help of your relatives will make utterly every little thing less complicated. Following a male breast reduction in your city, you’ll be clear of the tension brought on by your situation.

Undoubtedly, you have heard of gynecomastia breast cancer risk before, it would actually be a difficult task to find someone who hasn’t. Up to now, there certainly wasn’t as much attention on this specific subject like nowadays. The reality is that it turned out to be quite a popular subject lately. People take pleasure in talking about this and sharing their experiences. The drawback is that speaking too much about something can dry up the well of info concerning that specific topic. Is gynecomastia breast cancer risk a topic that you like to talk about? The truth is that reading this will undoubtedly help renew your following chat on this topic.

Evaluations regarding gynecomastia breast cancer risk are more handy than you think. You’ll uncover quite a few gains to this strategy. To begin with you are going to discover the opinions of others on this issue. Even though, can locate plenty of reviews on the net, you may also examine these in a printed format in particular journals. All things considered, these symbolize a unique view the topic you happen to be interested in and you will discover eventually that they do not all go hand in hand. However, that’s the charm of it. In the long run, each of us sees things in a different way.

Hopefully, you do not mind contradictions, given that some of the information about gynecomastia breast cancer risk is rather contradictory. But, this is available for absolutely any issue. There are not lots of subjects people agree upon. But, contradictory info is in fact not too shabby, there are a number of things to like about it. For instance, you are going to get familiar even with the unfavourable facets, not only the positive ones. Moreover, it helps people to build their critical thinking and not simply embrace whatever information they’re offered.

There is always brand new data popping up about gynecomastia breast cancer risk, it is tough to be continually informed. So, you’ll have to take a look at what else is new. If you wait a while for your next visit, the amount of info that built up, could amaze you. Everybody can make contributions to the pool of information, which is part of the reason for its accelerated growth. After all, knowledge is actually fluid and can be moulded by people like us. What’s your last contribution in helping with the expansion of knowledge?

There are several myths about gynecomastia breast cancer risk as well. Even though these facts are thought to be true by many, they’re actually bogus. Just think about this a little and you are going to discover that misguided beliefs are popular. That’s why it is extremely important to conduct a bit of homework about anything before you approve of it as valid. New developments are continually being achieved and they throw a new light on this topic. Branding something as correct or incorrect does not make it real.


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