Breast Cancer Causes: Lifestyle Risks

Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, making understanding its causes, particularly those related to lifestyle, incredibly important. Despite advancements in cancer research, prevention, and care, many are unaware of the significant role that lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption, play in the development of this disease. Dr. Gorman of Texas Breast Center is deeply committed to providing her patients with an advanced, personalized, and targeted approach to breast surgery and the treatment of breast cancer. Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and care, this article will delve into the many lifestyle risks associated with breast cancer.

Dr. Gorman and Texas Breast Center team understand that an essential aspect of breast health involves educating patients about the various lifestyle factors that can influence their risk of developing breast cancer. It is crucial to understand the connection between lifestyle choices and breast cancer risk to implement necessary lifestyle changes and engage in cancer-preventive behaviors. This article aims to provide a thorough examination of the relationship between lifestyle risks and breast cancer. By exploring these topics, this article hopes to empower individuals with the information needed to take proactive steps toward reducing their risk of breast cancer and promoting breast health.

Alcohol Consumption

Increased alcohol consumption is a significant lifestyle risk factor for breast cancer, with even small amounts raising estrogen levels and thereby increasing the risk. The American Cancer Society advises limiting alcohol to one drink per day, though some, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, may choose to abstain entirely. The type of alcohol consumed may also impact risk, with higher alcohol content beverages, like hard liquor, potentially posing a higher risk than beer or wine.

Dr. Gorman and her team at Texas Breast Center emphasize the importance of understanding the risks associated with alcohol consumption and breast cancer. They provide personalized recommendations for managing alcohol intake as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing breast cancer risk and optimizing overall health.

Physical Inactivity

Physical inactivity significantly increases breast cancer risk, and maintaining regular physical activity can regulate hormone levels associated with breast cancer development. Regular exercise and physical activity are vital for reducing breast cancer risk by maintaining healthy body weight and regulating hormone levels. Dr. Gorman at Texas Breast Center encourages regular exercise, aligning with the American Cancer Society’s recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week as part of a comprehensive approach to breast health and cancer prevention. Starting slowly and consulting healthcare professionals like Dr. Gorman before beginning a new regimen is essential, especially for those with existing health conditions or a higher breast cancer risk. They encourage patients to enjoy physical activities regularly, benefiting not only breast cancer prevention but also overall health by reducing the risk of other cancers, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, managing stress, and improving mood. In summary, regular physical activity reduces breast cancer risk and has multiple health benefits, and Dr. Gorman’s team is dedicated to helping patients incorporate it into their daily routine to improve overall health and well-being.

 

Diet

A balanced, nutritious diet is vital for reducing breast cancer risk. High-fat diets, processed foods, and low intake of fruits and vegetables contribute to increased risk, while maintaining a healthy weight, reducing inflammation, and consuming essential nutrients can lower it. Dr. Gorman and Texas Breast Center team recommend a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, limiting processed foods, sugary and alcoholic beverages, and excessive red or processed meat. Research suggests a Mediterranean diet and possibly a high soy diet, combined with regular physical activity and limited alcohol consumption, is the most effective approach, although the evidence on soy is mixed. In summary, a nutrient-dense diet can lower breast cancer risk and improve overall health. Dr. Gorman and her team are dedicated to helping patients make informed dietary choices and develop healthy eating habits for long-term breast health and overall well-being.

Obesity

Obesity, particularly after menopause, is a significant breast cancer risk factor, linked to increased estrogen production, insulin levels, and poorer prognosis for diagnosed individuals. Dr. Gorman of Texas Breast Center emphasizes the importance of healthy weight management through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and behavioral changes, promoting a gradual weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kg per week. She provides personalized support for her patients to develop a sustainable plan, set realistic goals, and seek necessary support, as it is not only about reducing breast cancer risk but also promoting overall well-being. In summary, maintaining a healthy weight can lower breast cancer risk, and Dr. Gorman and her team are committed to supporting their patients in managing their weight and reducing their breast cancer risk.

Smoking

Long-term smoking is linked to a modest increase in breast cancer risk, especially in premenopausal women, and various other health risks, such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Dr. Gorman and Texas Breast Center team advise against smoking and provide support and resources for those wishing to quit. Although the breast cancer risk associated with smoking is modest compared to obesity or family history, quitting smoking improves overall health. Passive smoking may also increase breast cancer risk, so avoiding secondhand smoke is advised. Dr. Gorman is committed to supporting patients in their journey to quit smoking. In summary, quitting smoking is crucial for reducing breast cancer risk and promoting overall health, and Texas Breast Center team is dedicated to helping patients quit smoking and improve their well-being.

Night Shift Work

Night shift work can disrupt circadian rhythms and melatonin production, potentially increasing breast cancer risk, although evidence is not entirely consistent. Dr. Gorman at Texas Breast Center advises patients to practice good sleep hygiene, including a regular sleep schedule and minimizing screen exposure before bedtime, and for those working night shifts, wearing blue light-blocking glasses and maintaining a regular sleep schedule on days off. While the increase in risk is modest compared to other factors like obesity or family history, it is a modifiable risk factor worth considering. In summary, practicing good sleep hygiene and minimizing artificial light exposure at night can help reduce breast cancer risk. Dr. Gorman and her team provide personalized recommendations and support to manage breast cancer risk and promote overall well-being.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for reducing breast cancer risk, particularly postmenopausal women, as obesity increases estrogen and insulin levels, both linked to higher breast cancer risk. Dr. Gorman and her team at Texas Breast Center offer personalized support for lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular physical activity. While BMI is a common measure of healthy weight, it doesn’t consider muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Overall, a healthy weight reduces breast cancer risk and benefits overall health. Dr. Gorman’s team provides personalized recommendations to help patients maintain a healthy weight and improve their well-being.

Take Control of Your Health Today!

Breast cancer risk is influenced by several factors, including obesity, night shift work, smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, and unhealthy body weight. Dr. Gorman and her team at Texas Breast Center are dedicated to helping patients manage these modifiable risk factors through personalized recommendations and support. Achieving a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, consuming a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing exposure to artificial light at night can all contribute to reducing breast cancer risk and promoting overall health and well-being.

Take control of your health today by making positive lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of breast cancer and improve your overall well-being. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Gorman and her team at Texas Breast Center to receive personalized recommendations and support tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Remember, a healthier you is possible, and it starts with taking the first step towards a brighter, healthier future. Act now to take control of your health and reduce your breast cancer risk!

See the other articles in the Causes series, including Genetic Mutations and Gender Influencing Causes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Causes: Lifestyle Risks

What types of breast cancer are most common, and how does weight gain affect my risk?

There are several types of breast cancer, but the most common ones are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. Weight gain, especially after menopause, increases the risk of breast cancer due to higher estrogen production in fat tissue. Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial for reducing the risk of breast cancer and other health issues. At Texas Breast Center, we provide personalized support and recommendations to help our patients maintain a healthy weight and reduce their breast cancer risk.

How does hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy affect breast cancer risk?

Hormone therapy, specifically menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Combined oral contraceptive pills, which contain estrogen and progestin, also slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. However, the risk decreases over time once these medications are stopped. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your healthcare provider. At Texas Breast Center, we provide personalized recommendations to help our patients make informed decisions about their health.

Does drinking alcohol or smoking increase my risk for breast cancer?

Yes, drinking alcohol and smoking are both associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed and the duration of smoking. It is advisable to limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels or avoid it altogether and to quit smoking. At Texas Breast Center, we provide resources and support for those who wish to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Is there a link between breast density and breast cancer?

Yes, having dense breast tissue is a known risk factor for breast cancer. Dense breast tissue can make it harder for mammograms to detect breast cancer, and women with dense breasts may need additional screening tests. It is important to discuss your breast density and what it means for your screening guidelines with your healthcare provider. At Texas Breast Center, we provide personalized screening recommendations based on each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?

Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or underarm, changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast, unexplained pain in the breast or nipple, nipple discharge, and skin changes on the breast. However, it is important to note that many breast conditions that cause similar symptoms are not cancerous. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, so it is important to have regular breast cancer screenings and to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts. At Texas Breast Center, we are committed to providing comprehensive breast health care, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

What is the role of genetics and BRCA mutation in breast cancer?

Genetics play a significant role in breast cancer risk. Specific genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. It is important to discuss your family history of cancer and consider genetic testing if you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. At Texas Breast Center, we provide genetic counseling and testing to help our patients understand their risk and make informed decisions about their health.

Can physical activity and diet reduce the risk of breast cancer?

Yes, regular physical activity and a healthy diet can reduce the risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week for cancer prevention. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can also contribute to lower breast cancer risk and improve overall health. At Texas Breast Center, we provide personalized recommendations and support to help our patients incorporate regular physical activity and a healthy diet into their daily routine.

Is breast cancer screening necessary for all women?

Breast cancer screening is important for all women, but the screening guidelines may vary based on individual risk factors such as age, family history, and breast density. Regular mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40 or 50, depending on individual risk factors. It is important to discuss your personal risk factors and screening recommendations with your healthcare provider. Texas Breast Center provides personalized screening recommendations based on each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

What are the options for breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy?

Breast reconstruction surgery can be done using several different methods, including implants, tissue flaps, or a combination of both. The best method for you will depend on your individual circumstances, including your overall health, the size and shape of your breasts, and your personal preferences. It is important to discuss your options and the potential risks and benefits of each method with your healthcare provider. At Texas Breast Center, we provide personalized recommendations and support to help our patients make informed decisions about their breast reconstruction options.

How does being overweight or obese impact my risk of developing breast cancer?

Being overweight or obese is associated with increased levels of estrogen and insulin in the body, which can elevate the risk of breast and endometrial cancer. Excess fatty tissue increases estrogen production, which is a known risk factor for breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. The Texas Breast Center can help with personalized recommendations for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing cancer risk.

Can oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy increase my risk of breast cancer?

Yes, using oral contraceptives or postmenopausal hormone therapy, especially those containing both estrogen and progestin, can slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Bioidentical hormone therapy and contemporary hormonal contraception have similar risks. It’s essential to discuss your personal history and risk factors with your healthcare provider at the Texas Breast Center before starting any hormone therapy or birth control medicine.

How does smoking and alcohol consumption affect my breast cancer risk?

Exposure to cigarette smoke and drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol raises estrogen levels in the body, while toxins in cigarette smoke can damage DNA in breast cells, leading to invasive cancer. The Texas Breast Center recommends smoking cessation, limiting alcohol intake, and adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce your risk.

Does my diet play a role in breast cancer prevention?

Absolutely. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low in processed foods, sugary beverages, and red meat can contribute to breast cancer prevention. Some studies suggest that a plant-based whole food diet, high in soy products, and low in western dietary pattern foods can reduce breast cancer risk. However, the evidence on soy products is mixed, and more research is needed. The Texas Breast Center provides personalized dietary recommendations and support to help you maintain a healthy diet and reduce your breast cancer risk.

How can I modify my breast cancer risk, and does pregnancy or breastfeeding affect my risk?

Being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction can help modify breast cancer risk. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can lower your risk, as can limiting exposure to estrogen therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Having a child before age 30 and breastfeeding for at least six months can also reduce risk. At the Texas Breast Center, we provide comprehensive advice and support to help you understand and manage all known risk factors for breast cancer.

How does having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation affect my breast cancer risk?

Having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation significantly increases a person’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Regular screening mammograms, clinical oncology consultations, and preventive healthcare measures, such as risk-reducing surgeries (e.g., having your ovaries removed), are essential for individuals with these genetic mutations. The Texas Breast Center provides personalized care and support for individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations to help manage their increased risk.

Does taking certain medications like aromatase inhibitors or letrozole affect my breast cancer risk?

Aromatase inhibitors and letrozole are medications used to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. While these medications can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, they can have side effects such as symptoms of menopause, edema, and bone loss. It’s essential to discuss the benefits and risks of these medications with your healthcare provider at the Texas Breast Center.

 

 


Breast Cancer Causes: Hormone-Related Risks

Breast cancer, a predominant concern in women’s health, has roots traced to an array of causes and risk factors. One of the key risk factors is found in the complex relationship between hormones and the development of breast cancer. This intricate connection plays a vital role in understanding the disease and managing potential risks. At Texas Breast Center, under the proficient guidance of Dr. Gorman, the mission remains unwavering – to offer patients an advanced, personalized, and targeted approach to breast surgery and the treatment of breast cancer. Embracing evidence-based methodologies, the center keeps abreast of current research, including data from prominent organizations like the American Cancer Society, Cancer Research UK, and National Cancer Institute, to understand the hormonal risks associated with breast cancer. Through this article, readers will be enlightened about the role of hormones, from estrogen levels and aromatase inhibitors to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and the impact of birth control pills in influencing breast cancer risk factors. Given the importance of health equity and patient-centric care, Dr. Gorman’s approach ensures that every patient is informed, empowered, and equipped to make the best treatment decisions.

This comprehensive article will delve deep into the correlation between breast cancer causes and hormone-related risks. The significance of this article is not just in understanding risks but also in appreciating preventive measures that can save lives. So, let’s embark on this journey to enhance our knowledge, guided by the expertise of Dr. Gorman and the legacy of care at the Texas Breast Center.

hormone molecule

Estrogen Exposure

Estrogen, a paramount sex hormone in the female body, not only oversees a woman’s sexual development but also has profound implications on her breast health. The interplay between estrogen and breast cancer risk factors is underscored by research published in journals like The National Cancer Institute. It’s essential to delve deep into various facets of estrogen exposure to appreciate their implications.

Early Menstruation

Women who commence their menstrual cycle at an earlier age find themselves at the forefront of prolonged estrogen exposure. Initiating menstruation before the age of 12 has been linked to a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than those who begin after 14. As cancer research suggests, this prolonged exposure increases breast cell proliferation, sometimes leading to mutations and thereby increasing breast cancer risk. On the flip side, women who experience a late menopause continue to produce estrogen naturally beyond the average age, potentially increasing their risk further.

Late Menopause

Late menopause, which refers to the cessation of the menstrual cycle after the age of 55, further extends the period during which a woman’s body is exposed to estrogen. With the ovaries producing estrogen for a more extended period than average, these women have a heightened risk. There is a great deal of breast cancer research available that reveals a direct correlation between late menopause and a slight increase in the vulnerability to breast cancer.

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Certain Oral Contraceptives

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially combined HRT containing estrogen and progesterone, is often prescribed to relieve symptoms of menopause, like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. However, certain types of HRT, particularly those with a combination of estrogen and progestogen, have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Oral contraceptives, commonly known as birth control pills, also play a role. According to the American Cancer Society, using combined oral contraceptive pills may result in a modest increase in risk, though the risk tends to return to normal over time after discontinuing the pills. It’s imperative to note that the landscape of HRT and breast cancer is continually evolving, with research such as the Women’s Health Initiative shedding more light on this intricate relationship.

Delving into the realm of estrogen exposure underscores the importance of women being informed about their choices, whether related to birth control or menopause relief options. Dr. Gorman at the Texas Breast Center remains committed to equipping her patients with the information they need to navigate these decisions, drawing from worldwide epidemiological evidence and the latest cancer research.

Progesterone Exposure

Progesterone, another pivotal sex hormone in women, is instrumental in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining the early stages of pregnancy. While its role in the body is crucial, there’s also an undeniable link between progesterone and breast cancer risk.

Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy Containing Progesterone

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has long been a beacon of relief for postmenopausal women, alleviating symptoms like osteoporosis and certain menopausal symptoms. However, combined HRT, which contains both estrogen and progesterone (or a synthetic version called progestogen), has come under scrutiny for its potential risks. Evidence from the Women’s Health Initiative and other cohort studies points to a significant finding: combined HRT can increase breast cancer risk compared to estrogen-only therapy.

In fact, studies show how the inclusion of progesterone in therapy might boost the risk of breast cancer growth. It’s believed that progesterone can stimulate breast cell division, a process that might inadvertently increase the likelihood of DNA mistakes, eventually leading to cancer. When juxtaposed with estrogen, this combined effect potentially heightens the risk further.

Moreover, according to a systematic review in The Lancet, even women taking oestrogen-only HRT for more than five years post-menopause exhibited an elevated risk of breast cancer. But it’s the combination, with progesterone, that remains more concerning. While combined HRT’s benefits can be substantial for some women, understanding the potential risks is of paramount importance.

The narrative around progesterone exposure and breast cancer risk magnifies the need for informed decisions regarding HRT. Dr. Gorman’s approach at the Texas Breast Center revolves around ensuring that every woman is equipped with comprehensive cancer information. The goal is to strike a balance between alleviating menopausal symptoms and ensuring optimal long-term health outcomes.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Breast cancer, the nefarious disease that has long cast a shadow over women’s health, has a web of intricate factors influencing its manifestation. The collaborative group, including the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer, has worked tirelessly to shed light on some of these intricacies. Within this sphere, pregnancy and breastfeeding stand out as two key factors that interact with a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.

Pregnancy’s Protective Effect

A woman’s journey through pregnancy results in numerous changes in her body, from hormonal shifts to alterations in breast tissue. Epidemiology studies, particularly cohort study designs, show that women who have had children, especially before the age of 30, have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who never gave birth. The exact reasons are intricate, but factors such as changes in hormone levels, particularly reduced lifetime exposure to estrogen, and changes in breast cells that make them more resistant to the changes that can lead to breast cancer, are believed to be crucial.

Another dimension to consider is the role of genes. While mutations like BRCA are popularly linked to a heightened breast cancer risk, paradoxically, these carriers see a temporary increase in breast cancer risk after pregnancy. However, after a couple of decades, pregnancy will have a protective effect, even for them. It’s crucial to be guided by a thorough understanding of family history and gene implications, especially when discussing the effects of pregnancy on breast cancer risk.

Breastfeeding and Its Influence

Breastfeeding is another facet of maternal health with implications for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society posits that women who breastfeed for several months might reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Biologically, breastfeeding makes sense as a protective measure. Not only does it alter the balance of hormones in the body, potentially delaying menstrual cycles and hence reducing estrogen exposure, but it also leads to differentiation of breast cells, making them less susceptible to the carcinogen-induced transformations that result in cancer.

Furthermore, during breastfeeding, women often have fewer menstrual cycles, leading to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, two sex hormones linked to certain types of breast cancers. The longer women breastfeed, the greater the protective effect. Breast tissue that has undergone the changes due to lactation has a lower propensity for carcinogenic transformation, emphasizing the protective role of breastfeeding.

To further complicate the relationship between breastfeeding, pregnancy, and breast cancer risk, one must consider other risk factors like body weight, behavior during pregnancy like drinking alcohol, and exposure to certain drugs, including antidepressant medications like celexa or citalopram. The Mayo Clinic, for example, has published insights on how alcohol consumption during pregnancy, even in moderate amounts, might elevate the risk for both the mother and the child.

In the intricate narrative of breast health, Dr. Gorman at the Texas Breast Center acknowledges that while pregnancy and breastfeeding can play protective roles, they are but pieces of a much larger puzzle. Every woman’s body and circumstances are unique, and these factors interplay differently. Through a combination of advanced screening techniques and patient-specific risk assessments, a more holistic understanding of individual risks can be achieved, ensuring that every woman has the most accurate cancer information and the best care options available to her.

Obesity

In recent decades, there’s been a significant shift in global health dynamics with obesity emerging as a chief concern, affecting millions worldwide. The relationship between obesity and breast cancer is particularly important, not just because of the scale of the obesity epidemic but due to the intricate ways in which adipose tissue, commonly known as fat tissue, plays a role in hormone regulation.

The Connection Between Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk

Post-menopause, a woman’s ovaries cease to be the primary estrogen production site; instead, this role is overtaken by the adipose tissue. Elevated body weight, particularly in postmenopausal women, signifies a higher volume of adipose tissue. This, in turn, translates to higher estrogen production, which has been shown in numerous studies, including those in cancer epidemiol biomarkers prev and br j cancer, to correlate with an increased breast cancer risk.

Obesity is also associated with higher levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the blood, two elements known to fuel breast cancer growth. The Cancer prevention initiatives by the American Cancer Society highlight the link between these elevated blood factors and the development of certain cancers, including breast cancer.

Moreover, fat cells produce adipokines, hormones that might stimulate or inhibit cell growth. For instance, leptin, which is more abundant in obese individuals, seems to promote cell proliferation, a key factor in cancer development.

Nuanced Implications of Obesity on Breast Cancer Type

While obesity increases the risk for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers in postmenopausal women, its impact on triple-negative breast cancer or other breast cancer types remains more elusive. Some studies, such as those conducted by the National Cancer Institute (natl cancer inst), have indicated a potential link between obesity and more aggressive forms of breast cancer, but these findings need more comprehensive validation.

Counteracting the Obesity-Driven Risk

While the connection between obesity and increased breast cancer risk is evident, the silver lining is that it’s a modifiable risk factor. Adopting a healthy weight regime, incorporating a balanced diet, and eschewing behaviors that contribute to weight gain can significantly lower the risk. The relay for life initiative, as well as efforts from cancer centers across the United States and the United Kingdom, underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy weight as an essential component of cancer care and prevention.

In conclusion, understanding the nuanced relationship between obesity and breast cancer is paramount. Dr. Gorman at the Texas Breast Center underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, especially post-menopause, as a proactive measure against breast cancer. The center offers a multidimensional approach, combining risk assessments, adjuvant therapies, and personalized guidance to aid patients in navigating the complexities of obesity-related breast cancer risks.

Hormone Receptor Status

Hormone receptor status is a critical biomarker in breast cancer diagnosis, dictating not only the nature of the cancer but also influencing treatment options and overall prognosis. Understanding this status is essential for patients and their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about cancer care.

What is Hormone Receptor Status?

In the realm of breast cancer, hormone receptor status pertains to whether or not cancer cells have receptors that bind to certain hormones, predominantly estrogen and progesterone. When these receptors are present, the hormones can fuel breast cancer growth. The key receptors are:

  • Estrogen Receptor (ER): Breast cancers with these receptors are labeled as ER-positive. Estrogen, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body, can attach to these receptors, promoting the proliferation of cancer cells.
  • Progesterone Receptor (PR): Similarly, if the breast cancer cells have receptors for progesterone, they are termed PR-positive. When progesterone attaches to these receptors, it can stimulate the cancer cells to grow.

The presence or absence of these receptors provides pivotal insights into the behavior of the cancer and potential treatment avenues. For instance, ER-positive or PR-positive breast cancers can often be treated with hormone-blocking therapies like tamoxifen or aromasin.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

On the other end of the spectrum lies triple-negative breast cancer, a type which tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein. This cancer type is particularly aggressive and lacks the targeted treatments that hormone receptor-positive cancers benefit from. Studies in journals like breast cancer res treat and cancer epidemiol biomarkers have extensively profiled the challenges and potential therapeutic avenues for triple-negative cases.

Testing and Implications for Treatment

Typically, the hormone receptor status is identified through tests conducted on tissue samples, often after a biopsy or surgery. The results can then guide treatment decisions. For instance, ER-positive breast cancers might be treated with drugs like tamoxifen, which blocks estrogen from binding with the receptors. On the other hand, triple-negative breast cancers might require a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

It’s also worth noting the importance of understanding a patient’s entire clinical picture, including other risk factors such as family history, genetic markers like BRCA mutations, and environmental factors. The collaborative group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer, for instance, has pooled data from various cohort studies and case–control study initiatives to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these diverse elements interplay with hormone receptor status.

The Texas Breast Center’s Approach

The Texas Breast Center stays at the forefront of understanding the intricacies of hormone receptor status. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and collaborative efforts, the center ensures precise diagnosis, which is the first step towards personalized and targeted treatment options. Moreover, patients are provided with related information, resources, and support to navigate their journey with confidence.

In essence, understanding the hormone receptor status is not just about categorizing the cancer but tailoring the most effective treatment plan for each individual. This personalized approach translates to better breast cancer survival rates and improved quality of life for patients.

Empowering the Future: The Way Forward in Understanding Hormone-Related Breast Cancer Risks

Breast cancer, a diverse and multifaceted disease, is deeply intertwined with hormonal and various other factors. From the vulnerability disclosure of adipose tissue playing a role in estrogen production to the meta-analysis of breast cancer survival rates, it’s evident that knowledge and research are our strongest allies in combating this condition.

The importance of understanding hormone-related breast cancer causes cannot be understated. Data from the American Cancer Society’s cancer statistics and journals like J Natl Cancer Inst and Br J Cancer constantly illuminate the relationship between the human body and the risk of developing breast cancer. Both endogenous hormones and external factors, such as diet and behavior, affect breast tissue and can lead to disease.

Moreover, it’s imperative to consider the role of drugs, from antidepressants like celexa and sertraline to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, as they may have implications for breast cancer risk. Similarly, certain cancers like colorectal cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer have shared risk factors, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to cancer prevention and treatment.

The benefits of an advanced, personalized, and targeted approach to breast surgery and the treatment of breast cancer at the Texas Breast Center are many-fold. From ensuring patients are at a healthy weight to providing palliative care, the center stands as a beacon of hope for many. Their innovative strategies, rooted in the latest research from collaborative groups and pooled analysis studies, serve as a testament to their commitment to excellence.

Cancer screening, early detection, and relay for life programs are pivotal to lowering the risk and improving breast cancer survival rates. Moreover, the role of the patient cannot be emphasized enough. Being informed about signs and symptoms, understanding one’s hormone receptor status, and seeking timely consultation can make a world of difference.

In the battle against breast cancer, knowledge truly is power. Whether it’s understanding the effects of diet and body weight, the impact of certain medications, or the genetic factors like BRCA that can increase risk, every piece of information paves the way for better outcomes.

Our call to action is clear: stay informed, be proactive, and seek consultation when in doubt. The Texas Breast Center stands ready to guide, support, and treat, ensuring every patient has the best chance at a healthy future.

See the other articles in the Causes series, including Age-Related Risks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hormone-Related Risks

Can hormone therapy and breast implants increase my risk for breast cancer?

Yes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly the combination of estrogen and progestin, has been linked to increased risks of breast cancer. However, the risk varies depending on the type of HRT taken. Estrogen-only HRT carries a slight decrease in risk, while combined estrogen and progestin HRT increases breast cancer risk. Breast implants have been associated with a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), but more research is needed to confirm the relationship between breast implants and breast cancer. At Texas Breast Center, we offer personalized consultations to discuss your individual risks and the best approach for your care.

How does being overweight or obese affect my risk for breast cancer?

Carrying excess body weight has been linked to an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. This is because fat tissue, or adipose tissue, produces estrogen, and higher levels of estrogen can fuel breast cancer growth. Moreover, overweight or obese individuals often have higher levels of insulin and inflammation, which may also contribute to an increased risk of cancer. Managing body weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help lower the risk. At the Texas Breast Center, we provide guidance on maintaining a healthy weight as part of a comprehensive approach to breast health.

What is the relationship between hormone receptor status and breast cancer?

Hormone receptor status refers to the presence of receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone on the surface of cancer cells. Breast cancers that have these receptors are classified as hormone receptor-positive (estrogen receptor-positive and/or progesterone receptor-positive) and can be treated with hormone-blocking therapies. On the other hand, triple-negative breast cancers do not have estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors and require different treatment approaches. Understanding the hormone receptor status of breast cancer is crucial for determining the most effective treatment strategy. At Texas Breast Center, we use advanced testing to determine the hormone receptor status and tailor the treatment accordingly.

What is the impact of hysterectomy and ovarian function on breast cancer risk?

Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) can impact breast cancer risk by altering the levels of sex hormones in the body. A hysterectomy alone does not significantly affect breast cancer risk, but removing the ovaries reduces the production of estrogen and progesterone, which can lower the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly for women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. However, this comes with an increased risk of other health issues, such as osteoporosis and heart disease. At Texas Breast Center, we carefully evaluate all options to provide a personalized recommendation based on your individual risks and overall health.

Can taking certain drugs, like Tamoxifen, reduce my breast cancer risk?

Yes, Tamoxifen is a drug that blocks the estrogen receptors on breast cells, thereby helping to reduce the risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Other drugs, such as raloxifene and aromatase inhibitors, can also reduce the risk of certain types of breast cancer. However, these drugs come with potential side effects and are not suitable for everyone. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of these medications with your healthcare provider. At Texas Breast Center, we consider all available options to recommend the most appropriate risk-reduction strategy for you.

How does menopausal status affect breast cancer risk and what role does hormonal contraception play?

Menopausal status is a significant factor in breast cancer risk. Pre-menopausal women have a lower risk compared to post-menopausal women. The use of hormonal contraception, which includes combined oestrogen and progestin, can slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. However, the risk decreases after stopping hormonal contraception and eventually returns to that of the general population. At the Texas Breast Center, we can help you navigate the complexities of hormonal contraception and its implications on breast cancer risk.

Is there a link between endogenous sex hormones and breast cancer?

Yes, there is a well-established link between endogenous sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, and breast cancer. High levels of these hormones in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. This is because estrogen and progesterone can stimulate the growth of breast cells, including cancer cells. Understanding your hormone levels and their impact on your breast cancer risk is an essential part of the personalized care we offer at the Texas Breast Center.

Can certain medications, like antidepressants, affect my breast cancer risk?

Some studies have suggested a potential link between the use of certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram, sertraline, and paroxetine (Paxil), and a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed to confirm this association. It is important to weigh the benefits of antidepressants in managing depression and anxiety against any potential risks. At the Texas Breast Center, we consider all aspects of your health and work collaboratively with your healthcare team to provide the most comprehensive care.

Is there a genetic component to hormone-related breast cancer?

Yes, certain genetic mutations, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can increase the risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Women with these mutations have a higher risk of developing breast cancer at a younger age and are often recommended to undergo more frequent screening and consider risk-reduction strategies, such as prophylactic mastectomy or oophorectomy. Genetic testing and counseling are crucial components of the comprehensive care we provide at the Texas Breast Center.

Are there clinical trials available for hormone-related breast cancer?

Yes, there are ongoing clinical trials exploring new treatments and prevention strategies for hormone-related breast cancer. These trials may involve novel hormonal therapies, targeted therapies, or combination approaches. Participation in a clinical trial is a personal decision and may offer access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet widely available. At the Texas Breast Center, we can help you understand your options and determine if a clinical trial is appropriate for your specific situation.

What is the relationship between ductal carcinoma in situ and hormone-related breast cancer?

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts (mammary glands) and has not yet spread to nearby tissues. Hormones, especially estrogen, can fuel the growth of some DCIS, making it hormone receptor-positive. Understanding the hormone receptor status of DCIS is crucial for determining the most effective treatment plan. At the Texas Breast Center, we provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans for DCIS and other forms of breast cancer.

Can feminizing hormone therapy increase the risk of breast cancer?

Feminizing hormone therapy, which often includes estrogen and Medroxyprogesterone acetate, is used by transgender women and non-binary individuals assigned male at birth who are undergoing gender transition. There is some evidence to suggest that feminizing hormone therapy may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, although the overall risk remains relatively low. It is important to have regular breast cancer screenings and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. At the Texas Breast Center, we provide inclusive and personalized care for all individuals.

Is there a link between endometrial cancer and breast cancer?

Yes, there is a link between endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) and breast cancer. Both cancers share common risk factors, such as obesity, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and a family history of these cancers. Additionally, some genetic mutations, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, increase the risk of both breast and endometrial cancers. At the Texas Breast Center, we provide comprehensive genetic testing and counseling to assess your risk for multiple types of cancer.

What is the role of randomized controlled trials in breast cancer research?

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard in clinical research and play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of breast cancer and developing new treatments. In an RCT, participants are randomly assigned to receive either the experimental treatment or a standard treatment (or placebo), and the outcomes are compared. This design helps minimize bias and provides the most reliable evidence of a treatment’s effectiveness. At the Texas Breast Center, we actively participate in clinical trials and can help you determine if participation in a trial is appropriate for you.

What are the main risk factors for breast cancer?

The main risk factors for breast cancer include being female, increasing age, a family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2), a history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases, exposure to estrogen (e.g., hormone replacement therapy, late menopause, early menstruation), obesity, and lack of physical activity. Other factors, such as alcohol consumption, radiation exposure, and having dense breasts, can also increase risk. At the Texas Breast Center, we provide comprehensive risk assessment and personalized prevention strategies.

Does having ovarian cancer affect the relative risk of developing breast neoplasms related to hormone exposure?

Yes, having ovarian cancer can affect the relative risk of developing hormone-related breast neoplasms. The ovaries produce the majority of estrogen in premenopausal women, and alterations in ovarian function can lead to changes in hormone levels. Estrogen exposure is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, and conditions that affect estrogen production, like ovarian cancer, can modify the relative risk of developing breast neoplasms. It’s crucial to monitor and manage hormone levels in women with ovarian cancer. At Texas Breast Center, we provide comprehensive care to assess and manage hormone-related risks for breast cancer.

 


Breast Cancer Causes: Gender Influencing Causes

Breast cancer, a widespread condition that affects millions of people worldwide, is not indiscriminate. Its incidence and course are shaped by a myriad of factors—genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and more. Yet, among these various influences, one factor plays an especially profound role: gender.

This disease does not see all genders as equal. It selects, discriminates, and alters its strategies based on the gender of the individual it targets. Women, due to their unique biological and hormonal makeup, have a substantially higher risk of developing breast cancer. Meanwhile, men, while less likely to face the disease, often confront more advanced forms of it due to later diagnoses. These gender-related risks and outcomes are not just statistical quirks. They are critical dimensions of the disease that shape the way we approach prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

At the Texas Breast Center, Dr. Valerie Gorman and her expert team recognize and address these gender-influenced nuances of breast cancer. Their approach is rooted in the belief that understanding and respecting the distinctive aspects of each patient—including gender-specific factors—can lead to more precise diagnoses, more personalized treatments, and, ultimately, better health outcomes.

In the spirit of this commitment, this article delves into the gender-influenced causes and risk factors of breast cancer. It explores how the female and male genders, with their unique hormonal profiles and breast tissue compositions, interact differently with the disease. This exploration will not only deepen our understanding of breast cancer but also reaffirm the importance of a personalized, gender-conscious approach to tackling this challenging disease.

Gender-related Risk Factors

As we delve deeper into our discussion on breast cancer causes, it is imperative to focus on one of the most significant contributors – gender. In the complex landscape of risk factors that shape the occurrence and progression of breast cancer, gender holds a key position. It influences not only the likelihood of developing the disease but also the way it presents and progresses. This section aims to illuminate how the female and male genders, each with their unique hormonal environment and breast tissue composition, interact differently with breast cancer. By understanding these gender-related risk factors, we can promote more tailored prevention strategies and treatment plans, which is at the heart of the personalized approach of Dr. Gorman and her team at the Texas Breast Center.

 

Female Gender

When it comes to the occurrence of breast cancer, it is indisputable that women bear a disproportionately higher risk. This heightened susceptibility is largely due to the distinctive hormonal environment and the specific composition of female breast tissue.

Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, have a crucial role in women’s reproductive health. However, their influence extends beyond fertility and has a significant bearing on the development of breast cancer. Longer lifetime exposure to these hormones, either due to early menstruation (before the age of 12) or late menopause (after the age of 55), can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

Moreover, the anatomical and physiological characteristics of female breast tissue further contribute to this risk. The breast tissue in women is mostly composed of dense glandular and fibrous tissue, which not only makes tumors harder to detect but also increases the probability of cancerous changes.

Male Gender

In comparison to women, men have a significantly lower risk of breast cancer – less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men. However, this reduced incidence should not encourage complacency. Men can and do get breast cancer. It is often diagnosed at a later stage in men due to lower awareness, resulting in less frequent screening and a lack of emphasis on self-examinations.

The anatomy of male breast tissue, being less dense, often means that tumors can be more easily palpated. Yet, a lack of awareness about male breast cancer can delay diagnosis, leading to a potentially poorer prognosis. This highlights the importance of education and awareness, a commitment that Dr. Gorman and her team at Texas Breast Center stand by, ensuring all patients, regardless of their gender, receive personalized and comprehensive care.

Hormonal Influences

Within the realm of gender-related risk factors, hormonal influences take center stage. Hormones, the body’s chemical messengers, hold significant sway over our health, including the development and progression of diseases like breast cancer. This section will delve into the specific roles of estrogen and testosterone – hormones that are differentially present in males and females – in the context of breast cancer risk. By shedding light on these intricate hormonal dynamics, we aim to enhance the understanding of these complex interactions, enabling healthcare providers like Dr. Gorman and the team at Texas Breast Center to devise treatment plans that are as individualized as the patients they serve.

Estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone that not only regulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics in women but also plays a pivotal role in breast cancer development. A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer is linked to her exposure to estrogen throughout her life. As mentioned before, early onset of menstruation and late menopause result in prolonged exposure to estrogen, thus increasing breast cancer risk.

Furthermore, the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly therapies that include both estrogen and progesterone, has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk appears to increase the longer a woman uses HRT and decreases over time once she stops using these medicines.

Testosterone

While the primary focus in the realm of breast cancer and hormones often falls on estrogen and progesterone, testosterone also plays a critical role. In men, lower levels of testosterone have been proposed as a possible factor in the development of breast cancer. Testosterone, a hormone present in both men and women, but in much higher levels in men, has a protective role against breast cancer. Thus, lower levels of testosterone might increase the risk of breast cancer in men. However, research in this area is still emerging, and a conclusive link has not been definitively established.

Texas Breast Center: Your Partnership for Personalized Breast Health Care

Understanding the interplay of gender and hormones in the development and progression of breast cancer is vital in developing effective preventive strategies and treatment plans. It underscores the importance of a personalized approach to breast health, taking into account the unique circumstances and risk factors inherent to each patient.

At the Texas Breast Center, Dr. Gorman and her team remain steadfastly committed to providing advanced, personalized, and targeted breast cancer care. Emphasizing patient education, early detection, and state-of-the-art treatment options, their approach ensures the highest standard of care for every patient, irrespective of gender.

Being proactive about breast health is essential. Regardless of your gender, understanding your unique risk factors, including how hormones influence your breast cancer risk, can be a life-saving decision. The team at the Texas Breast Center, led by Dr. Valerie Gorman, is here to guide and support you on this journey.

Schedule your personalized consultation today. Let’s work together on a plan to prioritize your breast health, monitor for changes, and, if needed, develop a targeted treatment strategy that suits your specific needs. At Texas Breast Center, you’re not just a patient; you’re part of a compassionate community committed to overcoming breast cancer together.

See the other articles in the Causes series, including Family History Risks.
Also see, Breast Cancer in Men.

FAQ’s about Breast Cancer Causes: Gender Influencing Causes

What role does gender play in breast cancer risk?

Gender is one of the most significant factors influencing breast cancer risk. Women, due to longer exposure to female hormones and the nature of their breast tissue, have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. However, while men have a lower risk, when they do develop breast cancer, it’s often diagnosed at a later stage due to less awareness and infrequent screening.

How does estrogen affect breast cancer risk?

Estrogen, a hormone predominant in women, stimulates breast cell growth, including potentially cancerous cells. Prolonged exposure to estrogen, such as early menstruation, late menopause, or use of hormone replacement therapy, can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

Can men get breast cancer?

Yes, men can get breast cancer, although it is much less common. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. Lower awareness and screening often result in later-stage diagnoses, emphasizing the importance of awareness in men too.

How does testosterone impact breast cancer risk?

Testosterone, primarily a male hormone but also present in women, has a protective role against breast cancer. Lower levels of testosterone might increase breast cancer risk, particularly in men. However, more research is needed in this area to establish a definitive link.

Are women who have never given birth at higher risk of breast cancer?

Yes, women who have never given birth, often referred to as nulliparous women, may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer compared to women who have had one or more children. This is believed to be due to the longer uninterrupted exposure to estrogen and progesterone hormones that occurs in women who have not been pregnant.

Why is breast cancer usually diagnosed at a later stage in men?

Breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage in men primarily due to lower awareness and less frequent screening. Since breast cancer is less common in men, they might not be vigilant about noticing changes in their breasts and seeking prompt medical attention.

Does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase the risk of breast cancer?

Yes, hormone replacement therapy, particularly combined estrogen-progesterone therapy used after menopause, can increase the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases the longer a woman uses HRT and decreases over time once the usage stops.

How does early menstruation or late menopause increase breast cancer risk?

Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55) can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Both conditions result in a longer lifetime exposure to estrogen and progesterone, hormones that can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.

Is breast cancer in men as serious as in women?

Yes, breast cancer in men is as serious as in women. In fact, due to lower awareness and delayed diagnoses, it can often be more advanced when detected. Men need to be vigilant about noticing any changes in their breast tissue and should seek medical advice promptly if they do.

Do birth control pills increase the risk of breast cancer?

Some research suggests that current or recent use of birth control pills with high doses of estrogen can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. However, this risk appears to go back to normal over time once the pills are stopped.

Does breastfeeding affect the risk of breast cancer?

Breastfeeding can slightly lower breast cancer risk, particularly if it’s continued for 1.5 to 2 years. This could be due to the fact that breastfeeding reduces a woman’s total number of menstrual cycles, and thus her lifetime exposure to estrogen.

Is the risk of breast cancer the same for all women?

No, the risk of breast cancer varies greatly among women due to differences in genetic factors, lifestyle choices, reproductive factors, and exposure to estrogen.

Does male breast cancer have the same symptoms as female breast cancer?

Yes, the symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to those in women. They include a lump in the breast, changes to the skin or nipple, and discharge from the nipple. However, any change in the chest area or breasts should prompt a doctor’s visit.

Does menopause affect the risk of breast cancer?

Postmenopausal women have a higher risk of breast cancer, primarily due to longer lifetime exposure to estrogen and progesterone. However, the risk declines over time after menopause as hormone levels decrease.

Can lifestyle changes reduce the risk of breast cancer in both men and women?

Yes, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol intake, and eating a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of breast cancer in both men and women. It’s always advisable to discuss lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider.

Can hormone therapy be used in treating breast cancer in men?

Yes, hormone therapy can be used in treating breast cancer in men, especially for those with hormone-receptor positive tumors. This type of treatment blocks the cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow. However, the specific treatment approach is highly individualized, so patients should discuss their options with their healthcare provider.

Are there genetic factors that increase the risk of breast cancer in both men and women?

Yes, genetic mutations, most commonly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer in both men and women. These mutations can be inherited from either parent and they increase the risk of both male and female breast cancers.

How does breast cancer form, and what are some of its advanced stages?

The landscape of breast cancer, a leading health concern globally, is intricate and complex. Every breast cancer case is unique and depends on an interplay of biological, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Breast cancer arises when breast cells become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. If not caught early, these cancerous cells can invade other parts of the body, leading to advanced cancers, which can be challenging to manage.

What are the structural elements of the female breast and how can changes in these tissues lead to breast conditions or cancer?

The female breast is composed primarily of fatty, or adipose tissue, and glandular tissue, which produces milk. Changes in these tissues, often influenced by hormonal variations, can lead to benign breast conditions such as atypical hyperplasia or potentially malignant ones like ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).

How do female hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, and male hormones like testosterone influence the risk of breast cancer

Female hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, play significant roles in both benign breast diseases and breast cancer. A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer increases with prolonged exposure to estrogen, such as early menstruation, late menopause, or use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Testosterone, a male hormone, is also implicated in breast cancer. In males, lower testosterone levels might be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, a less common but equally serious condition. Men who have Klinefelter syndrome, a condition characterized by an additional X chromosome resulting in lower levels of testosterone and higher levels of estrogens, are at an elevated risk for developing male breast cancer.

What roles do specific genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, play in breast and ovarian cancer risk?

Specific genes, most notably BRCA1 and BRCA2, are known to increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer when mutated. These mutations can be inherited from either parent, and individuals with these mutations often require more aggressive screening and preventive measures. BRCA1/2 mutations can lead to hereditary breast cancer, which accounts for a significant fraction of breast cancer cases.

How does breast cancer screening work and what are some of its challenges?

Breast cancer screening, including mammography, aims at identifying breast cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable. While mammography has significantly improved breast cancer diagnosis, it’s not flawless. For instance, women with dense breast tissue often require additional imaging due to the increased difficulty of detecting tumors in dense breasts.

How do environmental factors, such as alcohol and radiation exposure, impact the risk of developing breast cancer?

Environmental factors, including alcohol and radiation exposure, have also been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages can heighten the risk, with heavy drinking or alcoholism posing a significant risk. Exposure to radiation, especially at a young age, also boosts the risk of developing breast cancer.

What lifestyle and behavioral factors contribute to the overall breast cancer risk?

In addition to these apparent risk factors, lifestyle and behavior are crucial components in the overall breast cancer risk. A diet high in processed and fatty foods, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity can all amplify the risk of breast cancer. On the other hand, maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and breastfeeding can help reduce the risk.

What are some of the medical treatments for managing breast cancer, and how do they improve patient outcomes?

Finally, medical treatments, including certain types of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, endocrine therapies, antiandrogen therapy, and surgery, are all integral parts of breast cancer management. Adjuvant therapies, treatments given after the primary treatment to lower the chance of the cancer returning, can significantly improve survival rates in breast cancer patients.

How does precision in diagnosis and the right treatment plan impact patient outcomes?

Accurate and precise diagnosis, along with the right treatment plan, can greatly improve the outcome for a patient diagnosed with breast cancer. Moreover, advances in the field of cancer biomarkers and cancer research are paving the way for more personalized treatment approaches.

How are organizations like the American Cancer Society contributing to the fight against breast cancer?

The American Cancer Society, along with other global cancer initiatives, is dedicated to funding and conducting research to reduce the impact of breast cancer. From enhancing data collection to developing effective cancer programs, the fight against breast cancer is a collaborative effort involving healthcare professionals, researchers, corporate partners, and patients.

What role does the Texas Breast Center play in breast health awareness and patient care?

At the Texas Breast Center, we believe that education is a critical part of this fight. Our mission is to promote breast health awareness and provide the most advanced care to our patients. The journey to health equity begins with understanding, and we are here to guide you through it.

How important is individual risk assessment and early detection in breast cancer management?

While this article provides an overview of breast cancer causes and risk factors, remember that each individual’s risk is unique. If you have any questions or concerns about your breast health, reach out to a healthcare professional. It’s important to remember that early detection saves lives, and regular breast cancer screening according to guidelines can help ensure early detection.

 


Breast Cancer Causes: Age Related Risks

Dr. Gorman’s unwavering commitment to delivering unmatched and customized healthcare consistently leads the way in comprehending the complex nature of breast cancer. Our primary goal at Texas Breast Center is to foster an informed community, one that is equipped with the knowledge needed to prevent, detect, and address breast cancer efficiently. It’s with this vision that we delve into the topic of “Breast Cancer Causes: Age Related Risks.”

Breast cancer is a complex disease with a myriad of contributing factors. Among these, age stands as a significant determinant. Despite the prevalence of breast cancer in younger women, it’s important to note that the risk indeed increases as women get older.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why age is a risk factor, the mechanisms behind this link, and provide practical advice on how women of all ages can monitor their breast health effectively.

This article embodies Dr. Gorman’s commitment to offering an advanced and targeted approach to breast health. Our aim is not just to treat but to educate, empower, and encourage women to take an active role in their health journey. Our hope is that through this understanding, we can collectively reduce the impact of breast cancer and improve the lives of women across Texas and beyond.

We invite you to take this journey with us, one step at a time, toward a future where knowledge and proactive actions make a significant difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Increasing age

Breast cancer risk is intrinsically linked with age, with an increased probability of developing the disease as women get older. This is primarily due to the cumulative effect of several risk factors over time, including exposure to estrogen, genetic mutations, and the natural wear and tear process at the cellular level.

Estrogen exposure plays a significant role in breast cancer risk. This hormone is necessary for normal breast development, but it can also facilitate the growth of some types of breast cancer. Throughout a woman’s life, her body is exposed to varying levels of estrogen, primarily produced by the ovaries. Women who have had longer menstrual histories (i.e., those who started menstruating early and/or went through menopause late) have a slightly higher risk due to longer lifetime exposure to the hormone.

With increasing age, the likelihood of genetic mutations also increases. These mutations can accumulate over time due to various factors such as exposure to radiation, certain chemicals, and random errors that occur when cells divide. Some of these mutations can cause cells to become cancerous.

Moreover, the aging process naturally brings about a decline in the body’s immune function, reducing its ability to detect and destroy cells that have become abnormal, potentially leading to cancer.

While breast cancer can and does occur in younger women, it is less common. According to the American Cancer Society, the average risk of a woman developing breast cancer increases dramatically with age. Statistically, the majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50. In fact, the median age for breast cancer diagnosis in the United States is 62, with most cases occurring in this age bracket. This is not to say that younger women should not be vigilant; rather, it underscores the importance of regular screenings, especially as women age.

Younger women

Breast cancer is relatively rare in younger women, with very few breast cancer cases in the U.S. being diagnosed in women under the age of 40, according to the American Cancer Society. This is due to several reasons, one being that breast tissue in younger women is denser, which may limit the effectiveness of mammography and lead to later detection. Moreover, younger women have fewer cumulative lifetime exposure to various risk factors like estrogen.

However, when breast cancer does occur in younger women, it tends to be diagnosed at a later stage and often presents as more aggressive forms of the disease. One reason for this is that breast cancer in younger women can be more difficult to detect due to the dense breast tissue, as mentioned before. This might delay diagnosis and consequently, treatment.

Moreover, younger women are more likely to have what is known as “triple-negative” breast cancer – a type of breast cancer that is particularly aggressive and less responsive to standard hormonal therapies. This subtype of cancer does not express the three most common types of receptors known to fuel breast cancer growth—estrogen, progesterone, and the HER-2/neu gene. Therefore, treatment options can be more limited and the cancer can be more challenging to treat successfully.

Another aggressive form that occurs more commonly in younger women is HER2-positive breast cancer, which is characterized by the overexpression of the HER2 protein. This form of breast cancer tends to grow and spread more quickly than other types.

It’s important to note that, regardless of age, any new or unexplained breast symptoms should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional. For younger women, especially those with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, proactive measures such as self-examinations, regular clinical exams, and discussions with healthcare providers about individual risk can contribute significantly to early detection and improved outcomes.

Age at first menstruation

The age at which a woman starts menstruating, also known as menarche, can indeed influence her risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Research indicates that women who experience their first period before the age of 12 have a slightly elevated risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who started menstruating at a later age.

This association primarily stems from the lengthened exposure to estrogen and progesterone – hormones that are known to stimulate breast cell growth. Simply put, the earlier a girl starts her periods, the longer her lifetime exposure to these hormones.

During each menstrual cycle, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body rise to prepare for a potential pregnancy. These hormonal surges stimulate the growth of the glandular tissue in the breasts. Although this is a natural process, over time, this increased cell activity raises the chances of a DNA error during cell division, potentially leading to cancerous mutations.

In addition, early menstruation usually means a longer time until menopause. Menopause is another significant event in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop producing eggs, and the production of estrogen and progesterone declines. Therefore, the longer time from menarche to menopause translates into more menstrual cycles, and subsequently, a longer cumulative exposure to estrogen and progesterone.

While the increased risk linked with early menarche is relatively small on an individual level, it’s significant from a public health perspective given the high prevalence of breast cancer. This connection underlines the importance of regular breast cancer screenings, especially for women who began menstruating at an early age.

Age at menopause

The age at which a woman reaches menopause also significantly influences her risk of developing breast cancer. Research suggests that women who experience menopause after the age of 55 have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who reach menopause before the age of 45.

This heightened risk is predominantly due to prolonged exposure to hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are produced in a woman’s body during her reproductive years. These hormones have been associated with stimulating cell growth in the breasts, and prolonged exposure to them can increase the chance of DNA errors during cell division, which can result in cancerous mutations.

Late menopause means that a woman’s body continues to produce these hormones, and her breast tissue continues to be exposed to their growth-promoting effects for a longer duration. This cumulative hormonal exposure over many years increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

Moreover, the risk associated with late menopause might also be linked to the increased number of menstrual cycles a woman goes through in her lifetime. Each menstrual cycle is associated with a surge in estrogen and progesterone levels, which stimulate breast cell multiplication, potentially leading to errors in cell replication and an increased risk of mutation.

While the increased risk associated with late menopause is considered modest, it’s significant enough to warrant attention, especially considering the high incidence of breast cancer. Therefore, it is crucial for women who experience late menopause to engage in regular screenings and take proactive steps to reduce their breast cancer risk. These steps can include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which involves regular physical activity, a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco.

Age at first full-term pregnancy

The age at which a woman has her first full-term pregnancy can influence her risk of developing breast cancer. Research has shown that women who have their first full-term pregnancy after the age of 30 have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who have their first child before the age of 20.

This somewhat counterintuitive relationship between pregnancy and breast cancer risk is likely due to the complex interplay of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Pregnancy induces significant changes in the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body, and these hormones have a profound impact on the cells of the breast.

During a first full-term pregnancy, the breasts undergo permanent cellular changes. Before this, the breast cells are immature and more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of hormones and environmental toxins. A full-term pregnancy matures these cells, making them less likely to become cancerous.

However, this protective effect is more pronounced when the first full-term pregnancy occurs at a younger age. When the first full-term pregnancy occurs after the age of 30, the breast cells have had more time to accumulate genetic damage, which could potentially lead to cancer. Thus, the overall effect of a later first pregnancy might result in a net increase in breast cancer risk.

Moreover, during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, levels of estrogen increase, which leads to rapid growth of breast cells. This increased cell division can raise the risk of mutations and cancer development.

Despite this slight increase in risk, it’s important to note that the decision to have children and when to have them is personal and can be influenced by various factors. It’s just one of many factors that contribute to breast cancer risk, and having a first child after 30 does not guarantee one will develop breast cancer. As always, regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices are key components in the proactive management of breast cancer risk.

Age at first childbirth

The age of a woman at the time of her first childbirth, or not having given birth at all, can influence her risk of developing breast cancer. Research indicates that women who never have a full-term pregnancy have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer compared to those who have their first child at a younger age.

One of the primary reasons behind this increased risk is the prolonged and uninterrupted exposure to estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are naturally produced during a woman’s menstrual cycle and have been associated with increased cell growth in the breasts. A woman who has never been pregnant has more menstrual cycles compared to a woman who has one or more pregnancies, thus increasing her cumulative lifetime exposure to these hormones.

During pregnancy, the breasts go through changes that make them more resistant to transformations that can lead to cancer. The cells of the breast differentiate, or specialize, to produce milk – a change that seems to make the breast cells less likely to undergo cancerous changes. An absent pregnancy means the breast tissue goes through fewer of these protective changes.

Additionally, the surge of hormones during pregnancy causes breast cells to rapidly divide and grow. While this is normal, increased cell division can also increase the chance of genetic mistakes or mutations, potentially leading to cancer. The risk of this occurring is higher in older women, as cells accumulate genetic changes over time.

It’s crucial to note that while these factors do contribute to an increased risk, it’s a relative increase and the overall risk remains modest. Not having children is a personal decision influenced by a wide range of factors. Regular breast cancer screenings and maintaining a healthy lifestyle remain the most effective strategies for all women to manage their individual risk.

Age at breast cancer diagnosis

While it’s true that breast cancer risk increases with age, the nature of the disease can vary based on the age at diagnosis. Generally, older women (especially those over 70) diagnosed with breast cancer tend to have a more favorable prognosis compared to younger women. This is, in part, due to the fact that breast cancers in older women often grow more slowly.

Cancer growth rate is significantly influenced by the characteristics of the cancer cells and the surrounding environment. Age-related changes in both the breast tissue and the body’s overall immune response can impact the rate at which a tumor grows.

Breast cancers in older women are often hormone receptor-positive, meaning that the cancer cells have receptors that attach to hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Hormone receptor-positive cancers tend to grow more slowly than cancers that are hormone receptor-negative. Moreover, treatments that block these hormones or their receptors can effectively slow or stop the growth of these cancers.

Furthermore, older adults often have a reduced immune response, which paradoxically, may slow the growth rate of the cancer. An aggressive immune response can sometimes stimulate cancer cells to grow and divide more rapidly, a phenomenon known as inflammation-induced tumor growth. The diminished immune response in older adults may limit this effect.

However, it’s important to note that although the prognosis may be generally better due to slower tumor growth, older women might face other challenges related to breast cancer management. These can include an increased risk of treatment side effects and the presence of other health conditions that might complicate care. Therefore, an individualized and comprehensive approach to treatment is crucial.

Finally, regardless of age, early detection remains the key to a more favorable prognosis in breast cancer. Regular screenings and understanding personal risk factors contribute significantly to early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Age-specific breast cancer rates

Breast cancer incidence rates do indeed vary by age group. It’s a well-established fact that the risk of developing breast cancer increases as women age. According to the American Cancer Society, women aged 70-74 generally have the highest incidence rates of breast cancer.

This trend can be attributed to several reasons. First, the process of aging itself results in an accumulation of genetic mutations over time due to factors like exposure to carcinogens, errors during DNA replication, and decreased efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms. These factors can eventually lead to the development of cancer.

Second, older women have had more menstrual cycles, resulting in a longer lifetime exposure to hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones, which are known to stimulate cell growth in the breasts, can over time lead to uncontrolled cell growth and potential transformation into cancer cells.

Third, as women age, they experience more instances of proliferative breast diseases with atypia, which are known risk factors for breast cancer. Atypia refers to the presence of abnormal cells, which are more likely to become cancerous.

Furthermore, the body’s immune system, which helps to detect and destroy abnormal cells, declines with age. This decline might allow some cancerous cells to multiply and form tumors before they’re detected by the immune system.

Despite the higher incidence rate in older women, it’s important to note that breast cancer can occur at any age, and younger women can also develop aggressive forms of the disease. Therefore, it’s crucial for women of all ages to understand their individual risk factors, including genetics, and engage in recommended screening practices for early detection of the disease. It’s also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as several risk factors for breast cancer, such as maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity, are within an individual’s control.

Age-related hormone exposure

Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that are naturally produced in a woman’s body and play crucial roles in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. However, longer lifetime exposure to these hormones has been associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

This increased risk is predominantly due to the role these hormones play in cell growth. Both estrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth of cells in the breast — a normal process that facilitates the development and maintenance of the mammary glands in response to each menstrual cycle. However, with longer exposure to these hormones, there is an increased opportunity for the growth of cells in the breast. This increased cell division can potentially result in errors during the replication of DNA, which can, in turn cause mutations that may lead to cancer.

In essence, the longer the breast tissue is exposed to these hormones, the higher the chance that a breast cell could turn cancerous. Factors that can lengthen a woman’s exposure to these hormones include early menarche (starting menstruation before age 12), late menopause (experiencing menopause after age 55), late or no pregnancy, and certain types of hormone replacement therapy or birth control. Each of these conditions leads to a longer timeframe during which the breast tissue is exposed to estrogen and progesterone, thereby increasing the risk of breast cancer.

It’s also worth noting that not all breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, meaning that not all breast cancers grow in response to estrogen or progesterone. Some types of breast cancer are hormone receptor-negative and grow independently of these hormones. Therefore, while it’s true that longer lifetime exposure to estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of breast cancer, it’s not the only factor at play.

Nevertheless, understanding this relationship underlines the importance of regular breast cancer screenings and lifestyle modifications where possible, to manage and mitigate the risk associated with prolonged hormone exposure.

Age and breast cancer screening

Mammograms, which are X-ray images of the breast, are an essential tool for the early detection of breast cancer. Regular mammogram screenings are typically recommended for women aged 40 and older, though the exact age to start and frequency of screenings can depend on individual risk factors and professional guidelines.

The primary aim of a mammogram screening is to identify breast cancer before any physical symptoms develop. Detecting cancer at an early stage often means that it is smaller and hasn’t spread, which makes it easier to treat successfully. The five-year relative survival rate for women with localized breast cancer (cancer that has not spread outside the breast) is nearly 99%.

A mammogram can identify changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Regular screenings can help catch the disease in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable. This not only improves a woman’s chance of recovery but also offers more treatment options.

For example, women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer might be candidates for breast-conserving surgery, such as lumpectomy, which involves removing the cancer and a small portion of healthy tissue around it but not the entire breast.

Moreover, early detection might also reduce the need for more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy. This can significantly lessen the physical and emotional impact of cancer treatment and improve quality of life for patients.

However, it’s essential to balance the benefits of mammograms with the potential harms, which can include false positives, over-diagnosis, and exposure to radiation. Each woman’s risk factors should be considered in decision-making about when to begin mammograms and how often to have them.

Lastly, while mammograms are a valuable tool, they are not perfect and do not detect all breast cancers. Thus, it’s crucial for women to understand and recognize any changes in their breasts and to have any changes evaluated by a healthcare professional. Awareness and early detection are key to the effective management of breast cancer.

Take Control of Your Breast Health – Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Gorman at Texas Breast Center Today

Navigating the complexities of breast cancer, its age-related risks, and the nuances of its potential causes can be challenging. That’s why Dr. Gorman and her team at Texas Breast Center are committed to offering you an advanced, personalized, and targeted approach to understanding and treating this disease. Their goal is to arm you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health and provide you with state-of-the-art care every step of the way. With a keen understanding that each patient’s journey is unique, Dr. Gorman is here to guide you through every stage of your care with empathy, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of the best outcomes possible.

Now, more than ever, it is vital for women of all ages to understand their personal risk factors for breast cancer and to engage in regular screenings. Remember, early detection is key to improving breast cancer prognosis and treatment options. We encourage you to discuss these risk factors and your personal history with a healthcare provider, like Dr. Gorman, who can help guide you through the process. Contact the Texas Breast Center today to set up an appointment for a consultation or to learn more about the services we provide. Together, we can face the challenges of breast cancer head-on and work towards a healthier, cancer-free future.

Read the other articles in the Causes series including Gender Influencing Causes.
Also, read the article about Treating Breast Cancer in Older Adults.

FAQ’s about Breast Cancer Causes: Age Related Risks

How much does breast cancer risk increase with age?

The risk of developing breast cancer approximately doubles every 10 years until menopause, after which the rate of increase slows. It’s estimated that around two-thirds of invasive breast cancers are found in women aged 55 or older.

Why does age increase the risk of cancer?

Age is a significant risk factor for cancer primarily due to the accumulation of genetic mutations over time and the body’s declining efficiency in repairing damaged DNA. Additionally, the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells decreases with age.

Why is breast cancer more common after 50?

Breast cancer is more common after 50 mainly because of the prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone, hormones known to stimulate cell growth in the breasts. Additionally, genetic mutations accumulate over time, increasing the likelihood of cancer development.

What is the highest age risk for breast cancer?

Breast cancer risk increases with age, with the highest incidence rates observed in women aged 70-74. However, the risk continues to be significant as women age beyond this.

Does age affect cancer survival rate?

Yes, age can affect cancer survival rates. Younger patients often have a better prognosis due to generally being healthier and better able to tolerate treatments. However, breast cancers in older women often grow more slowly and are hormone receptor-positive, which can lead to effective treatment options.

Why is breast cancer more common with age?

Breast cancer becomes more common with age due to a combination of factors such as lifetime exposure to estrogen and progesterone, the natural aging process leading to an accumulation of genetic mutations, and a decrease in the immune system’s ability to prevent the development of cancer.

Can you live 30 years after breast cancer?

Yes, it’s possible to live 30 years or more after a breast cancer diagnosis. Thanks to advancements in early detection and treatment, many women are living long, healthy lives following their diagnosis. The prognosis depends on many factors, including the cancer stage and type, the woman’s overall health, and the treatments used.

Is alcohol linked to breast cancer?

Yes, research consistently shows that drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. Even moderate consumption of an alcoholic beverage can increase breast cancer risk, and the risk increases the more alcohol is consumed.

Is breast cancer less aggressive in elderly?

Breast cancer in older women tends to be less aggressive and more responsive to hormone therapy than in younger women. This is mainly because most breast cancers in older women are hormone receptor-positive. However, diagnosis can be complicated by the presence of other age-related health conditions.

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html


Breast Cancer Causes: Family History Risks  

Breast cancer, a condition marked by uncontrolled cell growth in the breast tissue, continues to be one of the primary health challenges faced by women in the United States and worldwide. It is a journey that no woman should have to embark on alone, and it’s one that demands a wealth of understanding, particularly about the role of family history in determining breast cancer risk. Recognizing this intricate tapestry of genetics and family history, Dr. Gorman and her dedicated team at Texas Breast Center provide not just treatment but holistic care that addresses each individual’s unique concerns and needs.

As we delve into the complexities of breast cancer risk, it becomes evident that this disease is a multifaceted issue, intertwining genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The role of family history in determining one’s risk is particularly significant, offering insights into genetic predispositions and potential hereditary patterns. This understanding is crucial, as it guides both patients and healthcare providers in developing personalized strategies for risk assessment and management.

photos of family members

First-degree Relatives

First-degree blood relatives play a significant role in understanding your potential breast cancer risk. In the context of family health history, first-degree relatives refer to your father, mother, sister, brother, son, or daughter. These relationships share about 50% of their genes with you, hence why their health conditions can provide valuable insight into your own potential health risks.

Suppose a first-degree relative has been diagnosed with breast cancer. In that case, research indicates this could indicate a heightened risk of developing the disease yourself. The reasoning behind this lies in the shared genetic material between you and your first-degree relative. Certain gene mutations, such as those found in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, can drastically increase the risk of breast cancer and are often passed down through generations. In addition, women with atypical hyperplasia and a first degree relative with breast cancer history have an increased risk for developing the disease.

However, a family history of breast cancer does not equate to a definitive future diagnosis. While it does raise risk levels, most cases of breast cancer are not linked to inherited gene mutations. Lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, pregnancy, and hormonal factors also significantly contribute to overall risk.

At the Texas Breast Center, we take your family history into account to provide a comprehensive risk assessment. Dr. Gorman’s approach is not only advanced but also personalized. She recognizes the importance of understanding the context of each patient’s health background, including the crucial role of first-degree relatives in determining risk. By using this information, she works with her team to develop a targeted approach, offering risk management strategies, preventive lifestyle advice, and when appropriate, genetic counseling and testing to provide a holistic health care plan.

Remember, having a close family member with breast cancer does not guarantee you will have the disease. It is one risk factor among many others, and it is important to consider it within the context of your overall health, lifestyle, and other personal risk factors. Knowing your family history is a powerful tool. It can guide you towards the necessary steps for early detection, timely medical intervention, and ultimately, it allows you to take control of your health.

Second-degree Relatives

When considering your family health history, second-degree relatives, including your grandmother, aunt, or niece, also play a critical role. These relatives share about 25% of their genetic material with you, meaning that their health conditions can still provide valuable insight into your potential health risks.

Should a second-degree relative be diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk of developing the disease may be slightly elevated. The risk associated with second-degree relatives is lower than with first-degree relatives due to the decreased proportion of shared genetic material. However, this does not make their health histories any less significant. Genetic mutations associated with breast cancer, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can still be passed along through second-degree relatives, albeit at a lower frequency.

It’s essential to remember that while the presence of breast cancer in second-degree relatives can increase your risk, most cases of breast cancer are sporadic and not due to inherited mutations. Other factors, including lifestyle, environment, and hormonal influences, can impact your breast cancer risk. Therefore, having a second-degree relative with breast cancer should be viewed as one piece of a much larger puzzle that contributes to your overall breast cancer risk.

At Texas Breast Center, we value your family’s health history as a pivotal part of your personalized breast health care journey. Dr. Gorman and her dedicated team employ a comprehensive approach, integrating the influence of both first and second-degree relatives into your overall risk assessment. By incorporating this information, we can design a targeted plan, involving advanced diagnostic screenings, preventative lifestyle recommendations, and when necessary, genetic counseling and testing.

Recognizing the importance of second-degree relatives in breast cancer risk assessment is crucial. While it doesn’t predict a certainty, it offers an opportunity for heightened vigilance, early detection, and proactive health care measures. Dr. Gorman can help you harness this knowledge, providing a platform for you to take the necessary steps to manage your health, underlining our belief that understanding and managing breast health is a collaborative, informed journey.

Multiple Family Members

When it comes to evaluating your risk of breast cancer, the significance of your family’s health history cannot be overstated. If more than one relative in your family has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be a key indicator of a higher risk of developing the disease. These relatives can be a combination of both first and second-degree relatives, including your mother, child, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, and nieces.

Having multiple family members with a breast cancer diagnosis can potentially suggest an inherited genetic mutation, such as in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which are associated with a substantially increased risk of breast cancer. This situation is often referred to as familial or hereditary breast cancer and it accounts for about 5-10% of all breast cancer cases. However, the presence of multiple breast cancer cases within a family may also reflect shared environmental or lifestyle factors that increase the disease’s risk.

It’s crucial to recognize that while having multiple family members with breast cancer increases your risk, it does not guarantee that you will develop the disease. The majority of breast cancer cases are actually not related to family history. Other factors, such as age, reproductive history, hormonal factors, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures also contribute significantly to your overall risk.

The presence of multiple family members with breast cancer is an invitation for proactive health management. It offers an opportunity to heighten surveillance, encourage early detection, and equip you with the tools to manage your health effectively. At Texas Breast Center, we are your allies in this journey, offering expert advice, cutting-edge treatments, and compassionate care every step of the way.

Male Family Members

While breast cancer is predominantly associated with women, it is important to note that men can also be diagnosed with the disease. When a male family member, such as your father or brother, is diagnosed with breast cancer, it could indicate a potential inherited genetic mutation and, subsequently, an increased risk for you to develop the disease.

Male breast cancer comprises approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases, yet its significance should not be underestimated. The presence of breast cancer in a male relative such as a parent or child is often a signal of an inherited BRCA2 mutation. Although BRCA mutations increase the risk of breast cancer for both men and women, the probability of men developing breast cancer is still significantly lower compared to women. However, if a man carries a faulty BRCA gene, there is a substantial chance that he could pass it on to his children, potentially increasing their risk of developing breast cancer.

The medical diagnosis of breast cancer in a male relative underscores the importance of comprehensive family health history and genetic counseling. It’s also a stark reminder that breast cancer is not exclusive to women. However, having a male relative with breast cancer does not guarantee you will develop the disease; it merely points to a higher possibility. Multiple factors, including lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and other genetic factors, contribute to your overall breast cancer risk.

If a male relative has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this necessitates a proactive approach to your health. Through regular screenings, potential genetic counseling and testing, and preventive lifestyle adaptations, you can help manage your risk.

Early Onset

Breast cancer is generally more common in older women, with most diagnoses made in women aged 50 and above. However, when a family member is diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50, it could signify an increased risk for other family members. Early-onset breast cancer often suggests a potential inherited genetic factor that can raise the risk of developing the disease.

Early-onset breast cancer, while less common, is often associated with inherited mutations in the BRCA1, BRCA2, or other related breast cancer genes. These gene mutations can be passed down from generation to generation, which could result in a higher risk of breast cancer amongst close relatives, especially if the disease occurs before the age of 50.

However, an early-onset diagnosis in the family does not confirm you will have breast cancer. It only implies a higher risk. At Texas Breast Center, we place significant importance on understanding your family’s health history. If there is a history of early-onset breast cancer in your family, this crucial information should be factored into your risk assessment and subsequently guide your breast health care management plan. This plan might include more frequent or earlier breast cancer screening, lifestyle adjustments, a healthy diet, and, where appropriate, genetic testing and counseling.

Understanding the potential implication of early-onset breast cancer in your family is a powerful tool for early detection and preventive health care. It allows for proactive risk management and heightened vigilance for any signs of the disease. At Texas Breast Center, we are here to help you navigate this journey, providing you with advanced, personalized, and compassionate care at every step of your breast health journey.

Bilateral Breast Cancer

Bilateral breast cancer, where both breasts are affected either simultaneously or sequentially, is another crucial factor when considering family history and breast cancer risk. When a family member has had cancer in both breasts, it could suggest an increased genetic susceptibility to the disease, thereby raising your own risk of developing breast cancer.

Bilateral breast cancer could indicate the presence of an inherited mutation in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, or others related to breast cancer susceptibility. These genetic mutations can substantially raise the risk of developing breast cancer, and when observed in the context of bilateral breast cancer, can also suggest an increased likelihood of developing cancer in both breasts.

While bilateral breast cancer in a family member can be an important marker for elevated breast cancer risk, it doesn’t guarantee that you will develop the disease. The presence of bilateral breast cancer in your family history serves as a call for proactive health management. It creates an opportunity for heightened vigilance and early detection, empowering you to take the necessary steps to effectively manage your health. At Texas Breast Center, we are committed to helping you navigate this path, offering cutting-edge treatments, expert advice, and empathetic care at every stage of your journey.

Ovarian Cancer History

A family history of ovarian cancer can also increase your risk of developing breast cancer. This link is primarily due to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. If a close relative has had ovarian cancer, consider discussing genetic testing with your healthcare provider to assess your risk.

Inherited Gene Mutations

Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most well-known genetic risk factors for breast cancer. These mutations can significantly increase your risk for breast cancer. Other gene mutations associated with breast cancer include p53, PTEN, and CHEK2. Genetic counseling and testing can provide information about these inherited risks and guide risk management strategies.

Other Related Cancers

Breast cancer risk is not solely influenced by a family history of breast cancer itself. Other related cancers, such as prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, or other types of cancer, in your family can also be indicative of an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This suggests that certain inherited genetic mutations may not only predispose individuals to breast cancer but also to other forms of malignancies.

For instance, a BRCA mutation, while primarily associated with breast and ovarian cancer, has also been linked to a higher risk of prostate and pancreatic cancers. Similarly, mutations in other genes, such as PALB2, can increase the risk of both breast and pancreatic cancers. Therefore, a family history of these other cancers can provide vital clues about your potential inherited risk of developing breast cancer.

However, the presence of other related cancers in your family doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop breast cancer. It’s a single piece of the puzzle in the larger landscape of breast cancer risk. Your overall risk is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

At Texas Breast Center, we recognize the importance of a comprehensive family cancer history in understanding your unique breast cancer risk profile. Dr. Gorman, known for her commitment to providing advanced, personalized, and targeted breast cancer care, considers the entire scope of your family’s cancer history during risk assessment. This thorough evaluation can inform your personalized risk management strategy, including regular screening schedules, lifestyle modifications, and potentially genetic counseling and testing.

A family history of related cancers calls for an informed, proactive approach to your breast health. It’s an opportunity for attentive monitoring, early detection, and more effective risk management. At Texas Breast Center, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way, offering expert medical advice, leading-edge treatments, and compassionate care tailored to your unique needs.

Ethnic Background

Certain ethnic backgrounds, such as Ashkenazi Jews, are associated with a higher prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, thus leading to an increased risk of breast cancer. Understanding your family’s ethnic background can help clarify your risk and inform screening recommendations.

Understanding these familial and genetic factors is critical in guiding breast cancer risk assessment and management strategies. However, keep in mind that having one or even multiple breast cancer risk factors does not guarantee a breast cancer diagnosis. Many women with one or more risk factors never develop the disease, and some women with breast cancer have no known risk factors other than being a woman and growing older.

In conclusion, a family history of breast cancer can significantly influence an individual’s risk of developing the disease. However, it’s important to remember that breast cancer is not exclusively hereditary. Environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and certain conditions such as obesity, high alcohol intake, lack of breastfeeding, early menstruation, late menopause, and exposure to hormone replacement therapy can contribute to breast cancer risk.

Dense breast tissue, characterized by a higher proportion of glandular and connective tissue to fatty or adipose tissue, can also increase the risk and make mammography screening more challenging. Factors such as age, hormone levels, and certain drugs can affect breast density.

Knowledge and awareness of both your familial and personal risk factors can empower you to take control of your breast health. Regular screenings, maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting alcohol intake, and understanding the implications of your birth control choices are ways to manage and reduce your risk.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or other related cancers, consider speaking with a healthcare provider or a genetic counselor. They can provide you with valuable information, discuss the possibility of genetic testing, and guide you towards the best preventative measures and screenings based on your risk.

At Texas Breast Center, we recognize that every patient is unique, and we are committed to providing advanced, personalized, and targeted care. Dr. Gorman and her dedicated team strive to empower patients with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions about their health. If you have concerns about your breast cancer risk, contact the Texas Breast Center to schedule an appointment.

In the realm of breast health, understanding your risk is the first step towards prevention and early detection. Through shared decision-making and a patient-centered approach, we can work together to navigate your breast cancer risk and ensure that you receive the most appropriate, tailored care.

Remember, knowledge is power. Take control of your health today.

See the other articles in the Causes series, including Age-Related Risks.

Texas Breast Center – Helping You 0n Your Journey

Our philosophy is rooted in a strong dedication to advanced, personalized, and targeted breast cancer care. We believe that every woman is more than just a patient – she is a person with a unique story and a unique health journey. Our mission is to walk with you, hand-in-hand, through each step of this journey, offering the most advanced treatments, answering your every question, and standing as a constant source of support and knowledge.

Moreover, we understand that breast cancer risk is not just a clinical concept—it’s an intimate part of a woman’s life, shaping her decisions and future. This understanding is our driving force. Through fostering a supportive environment and leveraging advanced targeted treatment strategies, we provide personalized care to every woman walking through our doors. Our comprehensive approach ensures that your journey toward understanding, managing, and potentially preventing breast cancer is one of empowerment, care, and expert support.

At Texas Breast Center, we blend our advanced medical expertise with warmth, understanding, and the unwavering belief that knowledge is indeed power. Join us as we delve deeper into the role of family history in influencing breast cancer risk. Our goal is to empower you to take proactive steps toward safeguarding your health and share important information to help prevent breast cancer. Your journey is our journey, and we’re here with you every step of the way.


Breast Cancer Causes: Genetic Mutations

Breast cancer is the most common among cancers in women worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone. While there are many factors that can contribute to the development of breast cancer, one of the most important is genetics. Certain genetic mutations can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women around the world, with about 2.3 million new cases expected to be found in 2020 alone. Even though there are many things that can lead to breast cancer, genes are one of the most important ones. Some changes in a person’s genes can make it much more likely that they will get breast cancer or another type of cancer. In this article, we will explore the most common genetic mutations associated with breast cancer risk, how they are inherited, and what can be done to manage that risk.

genetic mutations

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two of the most well-known genetic mutations associated with breast cancer risk. These genes produce proteins that help to suppress tumor growth, but mutations in these genes can disrupt this function and increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Breast cancer genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified as major risk factors for invasive breast cancer. These genes are involved in regulating cell growth and repair, and when mutated, they can disrupt normal cellular processes in breast tissue. Mutations in these breast cancer genes can be inherited or acquired, and women with a family history of breast cancer are at higher risk. Other breast cancer risk factors include age, gender, lifestyle factors, and exposure to certain chemicals. Early detection through regular mammograms and other breast cancer screening methods is critical for improving outcomes for women with invasive breast cancer. As research continues to uncover new insights into the biology of breast cancer, identifying and understanding these risk factors will be critical for reducing the burden of this disease on women worldwide.

What is the definition and function of BRCA1 and BRCA2?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes, which means they produce proteins that help to regulate cell growth and division. Specifically, these proteins help to repair damaged DNA and prevent cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or uncontrollably. Mutations in these genes can interfere with the production of these proteins, leading to a higher risk of developing cancer.

What are the inheritance patterns of BRCA1 and BRCA2?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that a person only needs to inherit a mutated copy of the gene from one parent to be at risk of developing cancer. A child of a parent with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Is there an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?

Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a significantly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a:

  • 55-72% chance of developing breast cancer by age 70 (compared to 12% in the general population)
  • 44% chance of developing ovarian cancer by age 80 (compared to 1.3% in the general population)

Other cancers may also be associated with BRCA mutations, including prostate cancer in men.

What are screening and prevention options for people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?

Due to the increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer associated with BRCA mutations, women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation are typically advised to undergo increased surveillance and risk reduction measures.

Surveillance may involve more frequent mammograms and breast MRIs, as well as screening for ovarian cancer using blood tests and/or ultrasounds. In some cases, prophylactic surgery (such as mastectomy or oophorectomy) may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Is there genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?

Genetic testing is available to determine whether someone has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. The test involves analyzing a sample of blood or saliva to look for changes or abnormalities in the genes. It is important to note that not everyone who is at risk of carrying a BRCA mutation will have one, and not everyone who has a BRCA mutation will develop cancer.

Genetic counseling and testing are typically recommended for people with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially if multiple family members have been diagnosed with the disease at a young age. Genetic counseling is also recommended before and after testing to help individuals understand their risk, the implications of testing, and the options available for managing that risk.

While BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most well-known genetic mutations associated with breast cancer risk, there are many other mutations that can also increase a person’s risk of developing the disease.

PALB2 Mutations

PALB2 (Partner and Localizer of BRCA2) is a gene that produces a protein that interacts with the BRCA2 protein to help repair damaged DNA. Mutations in PALB2 can increase the risk of developing breast cancer and may also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

What is the definition and function of PALB2?

PALB2 is a tumor suppressor gene that plays a role in repairing damaged DNA. It produces a protein that interacts with the BRCA2 protein to help repair double-stranded DNA breaks. Mutations in PALB2 can interfere with this function and increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

What are the inheritance patterns of PALB2?

PALB2 mutations are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that a person must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to be at risk of developing cancer. A child of two carriers of a PALB2 mutation has a 25% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Is there an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer for people with a PALB2 mutation?

Women with a PALB2 mutation have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, women with a PALB2 mutation have:

  • 33% chance of developing breast cancer by age 70 (compared to 12% in the general population)

What are screening and prevention options for people with a PALB2 mutation?

Surveillance may involve more frequent mammograms and breast MRIs. In some cases, prophylactic surgery (such as mastectomy) may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Is there genetic testing for a PALB2 mutation?

Genetic testing is available to determine whether someone has a PALB2 mutation. The test involves analyzing a sample of blood or saliva to look for changes or abnormalities in the gene. It is important to note that not everyone who is at risk of carrying a PALB2 mutation will have one, and not everyone who has a PALB2 mutation will develop cancer.

TP53 Mutations

TP53 is a gene that produces a protein called p53, which helps to regulate cell growth and prevent the development of tumors. Mutations in TP53 can interfere with the function of p53 and increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, including breast cancer.

What is the definition and function of TP53?

TP53 is a tumor suppressor gene that produces a protein called p53. This protein helps to regulate cell growth and prevent the development of tumors by responding to DNA damage and other cellular stresses. Mutations in TP53 can interfere with the function of p53, leading to a higher risk of developing cancer.

What are the inheritance patterns of TP53?

TP53 mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. A child of a parent with a TP53 mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Is there an increased risk of breast cancer for people with a TP53 mutation?

Women with a TP53 mutation have an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, including breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, women with a TP53 mutation have:

  • 49% chance of developing breast cancer by age 70 (compared to 12% in the general population)
  • Increased risk of other cancers, including brain, bone, and soft tissue tumors

What are screening and prevention options for people with a TP53 mutation?

Surveillance may involve more frequent mammograms and breast MRIs, as well as screening for other types of cancer. In some cases, prophylactic surgery (such as mastectomy) may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Is there genetic testing for a TP53 mutation?

Genetic testing is available to determine whether someone has a TP53 mutation. The test involves analyzing a sample of blood or saliva to look for changes or abnormalities in the gene. It is important to note that not everyone who is at risk of carrying a TP53 mutation will have one, and not everyone who has a TP53 mutation will develop cancer.

CHEK2 Mutations

CHEK2 is a gene that produces a protein called checkpoint kinase 2, which helps to regulate cell growth and division. Mutations in CHEK2 can interfere with this function and increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

What is the definition and function of CHEK2?

CHEK2 is a checkpoint kinase that helps to regulate cell growth and division. It produces a protein that responds to DNA damage and other cellular stresses to prevent the development of tumors. Mutations in CHEK2 can interfere with the function of this protein, leading to a higher risk of developing cancer.

What are the inheritance patterns of CHEK2?

CHEK2 mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. A child of a parent with a CHEK2 mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Is there an increased risk of breast cancer for people with a CHEK2 mutation?

Women with a CHEK2 mutation have a moderately increased risk of developing breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, women with a CHEK2 mutation have a:

  • 20-30% chance of developing breast cancer by age 80 (compared to 12% in the general population)

What are screening and prevention options for people with a CHEK2 mutation?

Surveillance may involve more frequent mammograms and breast MRIs. In some cases, prophylactic surgery (such as mastectomy) may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Is there genetic testing for a CHEK2 mutation?

Genetic testing is available to determine whether someone has a CHEK2 mutation. The test involves analyzing a sample of blood or saliva to look for changes or abnormalities in the gene. It is important to note that not everyone who is at risk of carrying a CHEK2 mutation will have one, and not everyone who has a CHEK2 mutation will develop cancer.

ATM Mutations

ATM is a gene that produces a protein called ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, which helps to regulate cell growth and division. Mutations in ATM can interfere with this function and increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

What is the definition and function of ATM?

ATM is a protein kinase that helps to regulate cell growth and division. It produces a protein that responds to DNA damage and other cellular stresses to prevent the development of tumors. Mutations in ATM can interfere with the function of this protein, leading to a higher risk of developing cancer.

What are the inheritance patterns of ATM?

ATM mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. A child of a parent with an ATM mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Is there an increased risk of breast cancer for people with an ATM mutation?

Women with an ATM mutation have a moderately increased risk of developing breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, women with an ATM mutation have a:

  • 14-29% chance of developing breast cancer by age 70 (compared to 12% in the general population)

What are screening and prevention options for people with an ATM mutation?

Surveillance may involve more frequent mammograms and breast MRIs. In some cases, prophylactic surgery (such as mastectomy) may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Is there genetic testing for an ATM mutation?

Genetic testing is available to determine whether someone has an ATM mutation. The test involves analyzing a sample of blood or saliva to look for changes or abnormalities in the gene. It is important to note that not everyone who is at risk of carrying an ATM mutation will have one, and not everyone who has an ATM mutation will develop cancer.

PTEN Mutations

PTEN is a gene that produces a protein called phosphatase and tensin homolog, which helps to regulate cell growth and division. Mutations in PTEN can interfere with this function and increase the risk of developing breast, thyroid, and other types of cancer.

What is the definition and function of PTEN?

PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene that produces a protein called phosphatase and tensin homolog. This protein helps to regulate cell growth and division by suppressing a signaling pathway that promotes cell growth. Mutations in PTEN can interfere with the function of this protein, leading to a higher risk of developing cancer.

What are the inheritance patterns of PTEN?

PTEN mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. A child of a parent with a PTEN mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Is there an increased risk of breast, thyroid, and other cancers for people with a PTEN mutation?

People with a PTEN mutation have an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, including breast and thyroid cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, people with a PTEN mutation have a:

  • 85% chance of developing breast cancer by age 70 (compared to 12% in the general population)
  • Increased risk of other cancers, including thyroid and endometrial cancer

What are screening and prevention options for people with a PTEN mutation?

Surveillance may involve more frequent mammograms and breast MRIs, as well as screening for thyroid and other types of cancer. In some cases, prophylactic surgery (such as mastectomy) may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Is there genetic testing for a PTEN mutation?

Genetic testing is available to determine whether someone has a PTEN mutation. The test involves analyzing a sample of blood or saliva to look for changes or abnormalities in the gene. It is important to note that not everyone who is at risk of carrying a PTEN mutation will have one, and not everyone who has a PTEN mutation will develop cancer.

CDH1 Mutations

CDH1 is a gene that produces a protein called cadherin-1, which helps to maintain the structure of cells in tissues such as the breast and stomach. Mutations in CDH1 can interfere with this function and increase the risk of developing hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome and breast cancer.

What is the definition and function of CDH1?

CDH1 is a gene that produces a protein called cadherin-1. This protein helps to maintain the structure of cells in tissues such as the breast and stomach by allowing cells to stick together. Mutations in CDH1 can interfere with the function of this protein, leading to a higher risk of developing hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome and breast cancer.

What are the inheritance patterns of CDH1?

CDH1 mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. A child of a parent with a CDH1 mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Is there an increased risk of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome and breast cancers for people with a CDH1 mutation?

People with a CDH1 mutation have an increased risk of developing hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome, which is a rare type of stomach cancer. They also have an increased risk of developing lobular breast cancer, which is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands.

What are screening and prevention options for people with a CDH1 mutation?

Surveillance may involve regular endoscopies to screen for stomach cancer, as well as more frequent mammograms and breast MRIs, to screen for breast cancer. In some cases, prophylactic surgery (such as mastectomy or gastrectomy) may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Is there genetic testing for a CDH1 mutation?

Genetic testing is available to determine whether someone has a CDH1 mutation. The test involves analyzing a sample of blood or saliva to look for changes or abnormalities in the gene. It is important to note that not everyone who is at risk of carrying a CDH1 mutation will have one, and not everyone who has a CDH1 mutation will develop cancer.

STK11 Mutations

STK11 is a gene that produces a protein called serine/threonine kinase 11, which helps to regulate cell growth and division. Mutations in STK11 can interfere with this function and increase the risk of developing Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and breast cancer.

What is the definition and function of STK11?

STK11 is a serine/threonine kinase that helps to regulate cell growth and division. It produces a protein that responds to cellular stresses to prevent the development of tumors. Mutations in STK11 can interfere with the function of this protein, leading to a higher risk of developing cancer.

What are the inheritance patterns of STK11?

STK11 mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. A child of a parent with an STK11 mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Is there an increased risk of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and Breast Cancer for people with a STK11 mutation?

People with an STK11 mutation have an increased risk of developing Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the development of benign growths in the digestive tract and an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. They also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

What are screening and prevention options for people with an STK11 mutation?

Surveillance may involve regular colonoscopies to screen for polyps and other growths in the digestive tract, as well as more frequent mammograms and breast MRIs to screen for breast cancer. In some cases, prophylactic surgery (such as mastectomy) may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Is there genetic testing for an STK11 mutation?

Genetic testing for breast cancer is available to determine whether someone has an STK11 mutation. The test involves analyzing a sample of blood or saliva to look for changes or abnormalities in the gene. It is important to note that not everyone who is at risk of carrying an STK11 mutation will have one, and not everyone who has an STK11 mutation will develop cancer.

NF1 Mutations

NF1 is a gene that produces a protein called neurofibromin 1, which helps to regulate cell growth and division. Mutations in NF1 can interfere with this function and increase the risk of developing neurofibromatosis type 1 and breast cancer.

What is the definition and function of NF1?

NF1 is a gene that produces a protein called neurofibromin 1. This protein helps to regulate cell growth and division by suppressing a signaling pathway that promotes cell growth. Mutations in NF1 can interfere with the function of this protein, leading to a higher risk of developing neurofibromatosis type 1 and breast cancer.

What are the inheritance patterns of NF1?

NF1 mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. A child of a parent with an NF1 mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Is there an increased risk of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Breast Cancer for people with an NF1 mutation?

People with an NF1 mutation have an increased risk of developing neurofibromatosis type 1, which is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the development of benign growths in the nervous system and other parts of the body. They also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

What are screening and prevention options for people with an NF1 mutation?

Surveillance may involve regular MRIs to screen for growths in the nervous system and other parts of the body, as well as more frequent mammograms and breast MRIs to screen for breast cancer. In some cases, prophylactic surgery (such as mastectomy) may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Is there genetic testing for an NF1 mutation?

There are genetic tests available to determine whether someone has an NF1 mutation. The test involves analyzing a sample of blood or saliva to look for changes or abnormalities in the gene. It is important to note that not everyone who is at risk of carrying an NF1 mutation will have one, and not everyone who has an NF1 mutation will develop cancer.

Conclusion

Genetic mutations play an important role in the development of breast cancer. In some cases, gene mutations can be inherited and increase the likelihood that an individual will develop breast cancer over their lifetime. Those who have a family history of breast cancer or who have other risk factors should consider genetic testing to determine whether they carry a mutation that increases their risk of developing hereditary breast cancer. By identifying these mutations, patients can take steps to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer through increased surveillance, prophylactic surgery, and other interventions.

At Texas Breast Center, we offer advanced, personalized, and targeted approaches to breast cancer care, including genetic testing and counseling, to help our patients make informed decisions about their health. Our team of expert breast surgeons, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support throughout every stage of the breast cancer journey. We understand that a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and we are here to help guide our patients through the process with compassion, expertise, and a focus on personalized care.

If you have questions about genetic mutations and breast cancer or are interested in learning more information about our breast cancer services, please don’t hesitate to contact Texas Breast Center to schedule a consultation. We are committed to helping our patients achieve the best possible outcomes and live their lives to the fullest.

See the other articles in the Causes series, including Family History Risks


The Stages of Breast Cancer

Following a breast cancer diagnosis, medical professionals will look to see whether and how far the disease has spread. Staging is the term for this process. The cancer’s stage indicates how much cancer is present in the body. Determining the stage helps doctors evaluate the cancer’s severity and the most effective course of treatment. When discussing survival statistics, breast cancer doctors also refer to the stage of the malignancy. At Texas Breast Center, Dr. Gorman is dedicated to offering her patients the most advanced, personalized, and targeted approach to treating breast cancer with breast surgery. Her compassionate care, expertise, and dedication to continuing medical education make her patients feel at ease knowing she is on their team. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gorman, call Texas Breast Center today.

What are the different stages of breast cancer?

Most patients want to know what their breast cancer stage is as soon as they receive the initial medical diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast cancer is understood to have five stages. The American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM staging system (AJCC cancer staging manual) is the staging method most frequently utilized for breast cancer. The most recent TNM system, effective January 2018, has both pathology and clinical staging systems for breast cancer.

Dr. Gorman will provide you with further information about the stage of your breast cancer when you speak with her at your appointment. She will take the time to thoroughly explain what your particular stage means, as well as listen to and answer any of your questions.

Stage 0

The earliest stage of breast cancer, also known as ductal carcinoma in situ, occurs when abnormal but non-invasive cells are found in the lining of the breast milk duct. There is no proof that the cancer has spread (metastasis), and it is still quite treatable at this point. This stage is also known as pre-cancer or early-stage breast cancer. Dr. Gorman will assist you in developing a treatment strategy.

Stage 1

In the next stage, there is undeniable proof of the presence of breast cancer cells rather than abnormal cells. The good news is that stage I breast cancer has a high chance of being successfully treated when diagnosed early and therapy is initiated.

Typically, Stage I is separated into stage Ia and stage Ib. Ia refers to a tumor size that is less than 2 cm in size and does not show signs of spreading to the axillary lymph nodes. When there is only a small amount of evidence of cancer in the breast and lymph nodes, but either no tumor is present in the breast tissue or the tumor is smaller than 2 centimeters, the diagnosis is Ib.

Stage 2

When cancer is identified as being stage II breast cancer, the tumor is larger and is still growing, but at this point, it is only inside the breast tissue or lymph nodes. Again, there are subsections for stage II that deal with the size of any tumor and whether or not there is spread to nearby lymph nodes. By its very nature, stage II cancer is considered invasive breast cancer and will require a more aggressive course of treatment than stage I cancer. However, the prognosis is still favorable, with excellent breast cancer survival rates, providing treatment is initiated early.

Stage 3

A stage III cancer diagnostic indicates that the tumor has spread to other areas of the body. At this point, it will not have started to affect other distant organs. Many oncologists classify this cancer as being “advanced.” The majority of recent treatment option developments have, however, made substantial strides at this stage. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are potential treatment options at this stage.

Stage III cancer treatment is divided into two categories based on the severity of the disease and how many lymph nodes are involved. Some stage III breast cancer is also called inflammatory breast cancer. The tumor may just need to be shrunk with chemotherapy first, and if the patient responds well to the medication, breast cancer surgery may then be explored in the future. It’s crucial to keep an optimistic attitude and observe how your cancer responds to treatment.

Stage 4

Breast cancer that has reached stage IV has spread to other parts of the body and is also known as metastatic breast cancer. The brain, bones, thoracic wall (chest wall), sternum, skin, clavicle, liver, or lungs may be areas it has spread to at this stage. Stage IV breast cancer is often managed as a chronic condition because it is not thought to be curable. The outlook for many women is significantly better thanks to modern medical advancements, combined with a positive mental attitude and view on life. There is always hope at every stage because breast cancer research, clinical trials, and improvements in breast cancer treatment are continuous.

See the related article on Does Every Breast Cancer Patient Need Surgery?

More FAQ’s about Breast Cancer Staging

What procedures are used to determine the stages of breast cancer?

The following diagnostic tests can be used to determine the stage of breast cancer:

  • Mammogram
  • Breast MRI
  • Blood tests
  • Bone scan
  • PET scan
  • CT scan
  • Breast biopsy
  • Ultrasound

How fast does breast cancer spread?

All types of cancers are capable of spreading, but whether they do and how quickly they spread depends on a few different factors. The type of breast cancer you actually have is the main factor your doctor uses to assess whether or not your disease will spread quickly. Different breast cancers develop at varying rates. Given that every cancer diagnosis is unique, it is challenging to provide a general prediction of how quickly breast cancer may spread.

Finding the typical growth rate of breast cancer is as challenging as figuring out how long breast cancer takes to develop. The amount of time it takes for a tumor to double in size has been studied in many ways, but the results are highly variable depending on the type of breast cancer and the patient.

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact rate at which breast cancer can grow and spread because different forms of the disease frequently exhibit varied characteristics. However, doctors are aware that some forms of breast cancer tend to be more aggressive and spread quickly, whereas other forms usually advance more slowly.

Generally speaking, the likelihood that your tumor will spread to neighboring tissue and other parts of your body increases as it grows. Several variables, including breast cancer grades, can affect how quickly your breast cancer grows. Special proteins called receptors have a role in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Breast tumors with hormone receptors, which depend on the growth hormone estrogen, progress more slowly than other types.

Other types, however, may be more aggressive and rapidly growing. These include triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks hormone receptors and HER2, and HER2-positive tumors (also sometimes referred to as HER2/neu proteins), which depend on a different type of protein for growth.

It is more likely that cancer that has spread to other places in your body will do so again. Your chance of the cancer spreading increases with the stage of breast cancer you have.

Can you do anything to prevent or slow the spread of breast cancer?

There is no guaranteed method for preventing breast cancer. However, there are certain things you can do to reduce your breast cancer risk. While breast cancer cannot always be prevented, it can occasionally be slowed down, prevented from spreading, or even have its size reduced. You can accomplish this by following all prescription instructions, completing all prescribed treatments, attending all scheduled visits with your oncologist or breast cancer surgeon, and actively participating in your breast cancer treatment.

Correct drug administration, a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management are all things you can control. All of these things can help you become more physically fit and which leads to a more positive outlook on life, which can have a positive impact on your breast cancer diagnosis.

What are the survival rates at each of the breast cancer stages?

In the United States, non-metastatic invasive breast cancer patients have a 90% five-year survival rate. For women with non-metastatic invasive breast cancer, the ten-year survival rate is 84% on average.

Women with invasive breast cancer have a 99% five-year survival rate if the disease only affects the breast. Sixty-five percent (65%) of breast cancer diagnoses in women are at this stage. In the United States, women between the ages of 15 and 39 are less likely than women over the age of 65 to have their breast cancer detected at an early stage (68% of cases in this age range). This might be because, unless a person is at a greater risk, the majority of mammography and breast cancer screening doesn’t start until age 40.

The five-year survival rate is 86% if the malignancy has progressed to the lymphatic system. The five-year survival rate is 29% if the cancer has progressed to a distant area of the human body.

The likelihood of recovery for any given person is dependent on a variety of factors, including the size of the tumor, the number of lymph nodes that have cancer, and other characteristics of the tumor that affect how quickly a tumor will grow and how well the treatment works. It is important to remember that these statistics are averages. As a result, it can be challenging to calculate each person’s likelihood of surviving.

When it comes to breast cancer survival and the best treatment options, early diagnosis is crucial. If you have any concerns about recent changes in your breasts or possible breast cancer symptoms, speak with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and determine whether you require a physical examination, additional testing, or medical imaging.

Dedicated to giving her patients the finest care possible, breast surgeon Valerie Gorman, MD, FACS, puts all of her passion and determination into her work. She believes that treating every patient from the time of their initial diagnosis will provide her with a long-term perspective on their disease and how it is progressing. Dr. Gorman’s kindness and attentiveness are just two reasons that patients choose her for their breast cancer surgery. To request an appointment with Dr. Gorman, call Texas Breast Center or visit the website for more information.

Statistics from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/statistics


Benefits of Breast Cancer Awareness: Resources, Information, and Support

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October, and not only should you wear pink this month, but you should also learn what you can do to inform yourself, your friends, and your family about the risk factors and symptoms of breast cancer. It also involves offering assistance to those who have received a medical diagnosis of breast cancer, undergone breast cancer treatment, or lost a loved one to the disease.

Breast Cancer Awareness month aims to equip you with the tools you need to protect yourself, as well as with breast cancer information materials and support services. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and early breast cancer detection is the key to saving lives. Texas Breast Center extends an open invitation to everyone to take part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and urges women to self-examine their breasts and educate others in their communities about breast cancer prevention and risks.

The Benefits of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than just pink ribbons and is significant because it raises money for life saving research into the disease’s causes, treatments, and cure while also raising public awareness of the disease. It educates on the importance of routine breast screening and early detection.

Public education represents one facet of awareness. Campaigns for Breast Cancer Awareness Month assist in educating people about the warning signs and symptoms of the disease as well as preventative measures, such as how to do a self-exam, where to find the right breast cancer screening, and the value of routine mammograms. For those impacted by breast cancer, the month also spotlights cutting-edge, effective procedures and treatments, even those that may not be well-known to the general public.

Raising money for research is one of the other main objectives of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Through various events organized throughout the month, including races, walks, social media campaigns, and others, participants are able to raise more money to fund life-saving research and continue creating innovative treatments that have improved outcomes, lowered the mortality rate over time, and given patients with the disease hope.

Most importantly, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to honor the breast cancer survivors who battled the disease and to express support and solidarity for those who have been affected by breast cancer.

Early Detection

The growing participation in Breast Cancer Awareness month over the last thirty-plus years has helped increase awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Though it can affect women of any age, women over 50 are most frequently diagnosed with breast cancer. To find any early indicators and increase your chances of receiving successful treatment, it is crucial to regularly examine yourself and have your health assessed by a medical professional.

Every month, you should perform a breast self-exam. Lay down on your back and raise your right arm to conduct a self-exam. Check the entire right breast and armpit region with three fingers on your left hand for lumps, knots, or extra skin thickness. In the shower, you can also carry out this examination by elevating your arm above your head. It is also advised to check your breasts in the mirror to check for any visible symptoms like skin puckering or dimpling.

Self-examinations are helpful, but screening mammograms offered by healthcare providers are crucial for early diagnosis since they can identify breast abnormalities before a lump can be felt, which ultimately saves lives. Women 40 and older should get mammograms every year. Visit with your physician if you have a family history of breast cancer to evaluate the need for increased screening. An annual exam is also advised for women, especially if there is a family history of breast cancer. Routine mammography is one of the most crucial steps you can take to keep your health, prevent disease, and live a healthy life.

Lowering Your Risk

Even though there is no guaranteed way to avoid developing breast cancer, there are steps you can take to potentially lessen your risk. According to the breast cancer research of the American Cancer Society, there are several ways to lessen the risk you will develop breast cancer.

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight or Lose Weight if Needed: Breast cancer risk increases after menopause in adults who are overweight or obese. To reach or maintain a healthy weight, maintain a balance between your food intake and physical activity.
  • Keep Moving: Low risk of breast cancer risk is connected to moderate to vigorous exercise levels. Include 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise!
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol should be avoided or consumed in moderation as it raises the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol consumption, even at low levels, has been associated with an increase in risk. If you chose to drink alcohol, limit your consumption with this in mind.
  • Breastfeeding: The majority of research indicates that breastfeeding, particularly if it lasts for a year or more, may indeed reduce the risk of breast cancer.

In addition, taking hormone replacement therapy and some birth control medications (a combined oral contraceptive pill) have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Support for Breast Cancer Patients

While October is dedicated to raising awareness and preventing breast cancer, it is also a time for charities and organizations to promote the support services they offer to breast cancer patients and survivors. Pick your favorite non-profit organization or breast cancer foundation and make a financial donation to help further the work they are doing for Breast Cancer research and support. In addition to supporting a 501(c)(3) organization financially, you can also provide support to patients facing breast cancer.

There are numerous ways in which you can assist and support someone who has received a cancer diagnosis. Start by being there and providing a listening ear. Consider leaving a supportive note on someone’s CaringBridge page. Think about the assistance that a cancer patient’s family could find useful. You can either bring food or work with others to put together a group to provide food. You can send a note, leave your favorite book, or make a movie recommendation. Keeping in touch and showing support can mean the world to someone.

The success rates of breast cancer treatment continue to rise along with the amount of research being done. We recognize that a breast cancer diagnosis is personal and can still feel disorienting, despite advances in research. Texas Breast Center is dedicated to supporting you at every turn. Through a specialized, tailored treatment plan and ongoing support after your initial treatments, the team wants to establish a connection with you and give you hope.

Breast surgery expert Valerie J. Gorman, MD, FACS, focuses on surgical oncology and surgical diseases of the breast. You will have access to a wide range of treatment choices, including hormone therapy, while under her care, as well as a regimen of care tailored to your particular breast cancer.

Our goal is for each of our patients to go from being a breast cancer patient to a breast cancer survivor. Texas Breast Center is dedicated to promoting Breast Cancer Awareness in October and beyond by providing information, support, and more resources as we work together to save lives.


Habits that May Lead to Breast Cancer

Around the globe, breast cancer affects millions of women. One in eight women is predicted to have breast cancer during their lifetime in the United States alone. While there are several risk factors that you can’t control, such as a family history of breast cancer or dense breast tissue, there are certain behaviors and lifestyle choices that may have a significant impact on lessening your risk. Eliminating the habits that you can control can help decrease your risk of developing breast cancer.

Poor Diet

About 30 to 40 percent of all malignancies are considered to have some connection to diet. You cannot avoid developing breast cancer with diet or food alone. However, certain meals may improve your body’s health, strengthen your immune system, and lower your chance of breast cancer. According to research, eating a range of foods that are high in nutrients, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, may help you feel your best and provide your body with the energy it needs. Animal studies suggest eating food cultivated without pesticides may help prevent the unfavorable cell alterations linked to pesticide usage.

In nations where the traditional diet is plant-based and low in total fat, breast cancer is less prevalent. However, studies on American adult women haven’t shown a link between dietary fat consumption and a woman developing breast cancer. A high-fat diet throughout adolescence, however, may increase a girl’s risk of developing breast cancer later in life, even if she doesn’t go on to gain weight or become obese.

Further study is required to fully comprehend how nutrition affects the risk of breast cancer. However, it is undeniable that calories do matter, and fat is a significant source of calories. Being overweight or obese, which are breast cancer risk factors, may be brought on by high-fat diets. Because excess fat cells produce estrogen, which may promote the development of extra breast cells, overweight women are considered to have a greater chance of developing breast cancer. Breast cancer risk is increased by this additional growth.

Lack of Exercise

Regular exercise benefits your health in a variety of ways, one of which is a decreased risk of breast cancer. Over the last 20 years, several studies have consistently shown a relationship between increased physical activity and a decreased risk of breast cancer.

It is unclear exactly how exercise reduces the chance of developing breast cancer. It is believed that exercise controls estrogen and insulin, two substances that may promote the development of breast cancer. Regular exercise also aids women in maintaining a healthy weight, which supports hormone regulation and immune system health.

Unfortunately, there is no magic number of hours a woman should exercise each week to prevent breast cancer. We do know that more is preferable to less, and that some is better than none. Additionally, more intense exercise is more productive than less intense exercise. All people should exercise for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate effort or 75 minutes per week of vigorous intensity, ideally spaced out over the course of the week, according to the American Cancer Society.

Brisk strolling, dancing, leisurely biking, yoga, golfing, softball, doubles tennis, and routine yard and garden upkeep are some examples of moderate-intensity exercises. Jogging, running, rapid cycling, swimming, aerobic dancing, soccer, singles tennis, and basketball are some examples of high-intensity exercises. Along with your regular daily activities at home and at work, all of these extracurricular activities include stair climbing and walking from your vehicle to the garage.

Exercise has the additional benefit that it keeps you from merely sitting around. The probability of acquiring breast cancer and several other forms of cancer, as well as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease rises with sitting time, regardless of how much exercise you receive when you’re not sitting, according to an increasing body of research. Many of us spend most of our workdays seated at a desk. Because of this, it’s even more crucial to include activity throughout your day.

Certain Types of Birth Control

There is a small increase in the risk of breast cancer associated with the current or recent usage of oral contraceptives. According to studies, women’s breast cancer risk is 20–30% greater while using birth control pills (and immediately after) than the risk for women who have never used the pill. However, since the absolute risk of breast cancer for the majority of young women is low, this additional risk has only a little effect.

Women’s chances of developing breast cancer start to decrease after they quit using oral contraceptives. The risk eventually drops to the same amount as women who have never used the pill. Despite the increased risk of breast cancer , birth control pills also lower the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer in addition to preventing pregnancy. Just like with previous, higher-dose versions of the drug, modern, lower-dose tablets have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Some alternative contraceptives contain (or release) hormones, just like birth control pills do. Depo Provera users who have been using it for extended periods of time may be at a higher risk for breast cancer than women who have never used it.

Research on IUDs that release hormones and breast cancer research have conflicting results. IUDs don’t increase the risk of breast cancer, according to some research. According to other studies, women who use hormone-releasing IUDs may have a 20% greater chance of developing breast cancer (similar to birth control pills). According to other research, women who previously used hormone-releasing IUDs may be more likely to develop breast cancer after menopause.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of any contraceptive pill with your doctor before using it (or if you already are and haven’t done so).

Not Getting Routine Mammograms

Low-dose x-rays of the breast are called mammograms and can help doctors identify a breast cancer diagnosis. Regular mammograms are one of the best breast cancer screenings that may assist in detecting early stage breast cancer, when treatment has the best chance of being effective. Years before physical breast cancer symptoms appear, a mammogram may often detect breast abnormalities that might be cancer. Results from decades of research definitively demonstrate that women who receive routine mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer discovered earlier, are less likely to require an invasive breast cancer treatment like chemotherapy and surgery to remove the entire breast (mastectomy), and are more likely to recover from the disease.

Mammography is not flawless at detecting breast cancer cells. Dense breast tissue can make it harder for radiologists to see breast cancer on mammograms. Although most breast cancers will be detected, some will be missed. A woman will probably need more testing (such as additional mammograms or a breast ultrasound) in order to determine if anything seen on a screening mammogram is cancer. Additionally, there is a slight possibility of receiving a cancer diagnosis that, if not discovered during screening, would never have given rise to any issues.  It’s crucial that women undergoing mammograms be aware of what to anticipate and the advantages and limitations of screening. As you age, your risk of developing breast cancer increases. Breast cancer screening through mammography is vital for women over age 40.

Use of Tobacco Products

According to research, smoking may significantly increase the chance of developing breast cancer, particularly in women who began smoking as adolescents or who had a family history of breast cancer. Smoking might increase one’s chance of developing breast cancer because specific chemicals in tobacco products may cause out-of-control cell proliferation in the body. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in certain women, despite the fact that it is not thought to be a direct cause. In addition, smoking may make treating breast cancer more difficult and lead to complications from breast cancer surgery. Avoiding tobacco products is an important factor in breast cancer prevention.

Excessive Use of Alcohol

Many studies reveal women who consume alcohol have an increased risk of breast cancer. According to research, the relative risk of breast cancer rose by roughly 7% for every alcoholic beverage taken daily. Compared to women who didn’t consume alcohol, women who had 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day had a 20% increased chance of developing breast cancer.

Alcohol may alter how a woman’s body processes estrogen. Blood estrogen levels may increase as a result of this. Women who drink alcohol have greater amounts of estrogen than non-drinkers do. As a consequence, higher estrogen levels are related to a higher risk of breast cancer. Alcohol and cancer risk can be controlled by limiting the amount you consume.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Breast cancer risk is elevated by the majority of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) types. However, individuals who take combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which combines both estrogen and progesterone, are at a greater risk.

Breast cancer risk is only modestly elevated when HRT is used for less than a year. However, the hazards become more severe and continue longer the longer you use HRT.

HRT-related breast cancer risk varies from individual to individual. The risk may vary depending on your age when you start HRT, any medications you may be on, and overall health.

Breast cancer risk factors are greater for people who take HRT before or shortly after menopause as compared to those who start it later.

Even though there are several potential causes of breast cancer, some behaviors and lifestyle choices may have a big impact. These lifestyle choices, including smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating poorly may all raise your risk. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are effective methods to lower your risk. This disease may also arise as a result of certain birth control methods and hormone replacement therapy. If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to speak to your doctor about them.


Breast Cancer Awareness: A History

March is officially known as Women’s History Month! To celebrate women, the incredible things they have endured throughout history, and to highlight the value of their wellbeing, let’s examine breast cancer awareness throughout history. You are likely to see an influx of this information during October, but Dr. Valerie Gorman of Texas Breast Center emphasizes the importance of breast cancer awareness year-round. Doctors and breast care specialists universally agree that awareness of the realities and risk factors is critical in conquering breast cancer’s devastation.

While the history of breast cancers presumably goes back to the early days of humanity, widespread advocacy for the cancer community and dispelling the shame around breast cancer has had a much shorter timeline. Not only that, but common awareness of this cancer and its symptoms has just become prevalent within the last 50-75 years. Texas Breast Center wants to highlight the journey of awareness for breast cancer and, through doing so, encourage people to check their own breasts and to spread knowledge of both prevention and risks of breast cancer in their communities.

The Origins of Breast Cancer Awareness

When did breast cancer awareness begin?

Women have been at the forefront from the beginning of cancer research initiatives. Early forms of the American Cancer Society founded the Women’s Field Army, giving thousands of women the chance to instigate fundraising and promote research during a time when society handed them few other privileges.1 Despite the advancement of fundraising efforts beginning in 1913, discussing cancer was taboo and deemed unfit for conversations far into the 1900s. Particularly regarding breast cancer, public discourse would identify it solely as a “prolonged women’s disease.”2

Only in the 20th century did breast cancer finally reach public notice. This shift can largely be attributed to former First Lady Betty Ford. She opted for total transparency in her battle against breast cancer during the 1970s, a time when stigmas surrounding breast cancer were a crippling concern for many women. Using her platform, Betty Ford shared the importance of screenings, breast cancer treatment, and solidarity for other American women affected by cancer. This instigated a dramatic reformation in culture surrounding breast cancer, both in the societal support of breast cancer patients and in prioritizing regular doctor exams.

When did widespread breast cancer initiatives arise?

Recognition of the disease began at an individual level first, with women such as Betty Ford speaking candidly about their experiences. From this stemmed the opportunity for structural and organizational levels of awareness to be formed. The best-known cancer charity initiative is the internationally recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month, taking place annually in October. In 1985, Imperial Chemical Industries and the American Society for the Control of Cancer partnered to create the first national week-long breast cancer awareness event. The initial intent of this was to encourage women to get regular mammograms, a form of breast imaging used to screen for breast cancer. This week later transitioned into a month-long observance of breast cancer survivors and patients.

Nowadays, it is incredibly common for a non-profit organization or a corporation to take part in the annual commemoration. From the NFL to cosmetic companies like Estee Lauder to The White House, public awareness campaigns, donation drives, and stories are spread to raise money and support systems for women who have been diagnosed with this disease. Estee Lauder created one avenue of this in 1992, seven years after the first awareness event, with the pink ribbon, and gave out over a million to initiate a tangible representation of the month’s efforts.3 This image is still easily identified today, commonly known as a symbol of support for patients.

The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness

Why is breast cancer awareness so important?

Breast cancer awareness is crucial because of the approximate 13% chance of women receiving this diagnosis. (1 out of 8 women in America develop breast cancer at some point in life, with the likeliness increasing with age.) Knowing the statistics surrounding developing breast cancer, keeping watch over the risk factors, and seeking transparent, expert education on the latest prevention methods can help one improve their chances of keeping a late diagnosis at bay.

What are the achievements of the breast cancer movement?

Breast cancer research

An increase in awareness has led to a greater emphasis on research to cure breast cancer throughout recent history. Following individual concerns, support groups were created, leading to lobbyists and activists pushing for greater research and education on the disease. The Journal of Women’s Health provides one example of this through the seven-year project on environmental toxins and impact conducted by the Breast Cancer and Environment Research Centers (BCERC).4 This program was an influential precedent, as it was the first National Cancer Institute funded initiative to incorporate activists into the scientific research council. In this, those involved in pushing to raise awareness had a direct impact on the focus of the studies. This 2003-2010 project is simply one of many historical examples where voices in the community resulted in an incredible impact on cancer research. What proof that individuals’ involvement matters!

What is the aim of breast cancer awareness?

You Can Help Save Lives

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. This means the odds of you or a loved one needing to be treated are high. Awareness aims to help eradicate this statistic, and you can play a tremendous role in this by educating yourself and your community on the risks. Being informed is crucial for many reasons, mainly because it teaches people about the necessary aspects of breast care. These are measures such as routinely scheduled mammograms, conducting self-examinations, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, pumping your own breast milk, extensively researching birth control pills and medicine, and staying active to the best of one’s abilities. Each of these factors can lead to a lower risk for women of developing breast cancer, or, if one is to get cancer despite a lowered risk, to an early diagnosis, which has proven to yield better outcomes.

Additionally, in creating ordinary spaces for conversations about the realities of breast cancer to occur, the perception of those whose lives have been affected by this disease will change for the better. Increasing knowledge in your community can breed hope and support for women with breast cancer. This acceptance can also lead to a society that encourages scheduling screening mammograms regularly, producing more cases of early detection, which can save lives.

Support for You

As research increases, so do the success rates of treatment. Even with improving science, we understand that a breast cancer diagnosis can still feel overwhelming. Texas Breast Center is committed to being with you every step of the way. The team aims to connect with you to provide hope through a personalized, targeted treatment plan and support that goes beyond your initial treatments. Valerie J. Gorman, MD, FACS, is a breast surgeon specializing in surgical oncology and surgical diseases of the breast. Under her care, you will find a broad spectrum of treatment options, such as hormone therapy, and a treatment program designed to benefit your exact case of breast cancer.

 

  1. Lerner B. Inventing a curable disease: breast cancer control after World War II. In: Lerner B, editor. The Breast Cancer Wars: Fear, Hope, and the Pursuit of a Cure in Twentieth-Century America. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Inc.; 2001. pp. 41–68.
  2. Ross W. Transformation. In: Ross W, editor. Crusade: The Official History of the American Cancer Society. New York: Arbor House; 1987. p. 33.
  3. https://www.elcompanies.com/en/our-commitments/the-breast-cancer-campaign
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3298674/

Black Women and Breast Cancer

Black History Month

Officially recognized in 1976, February is dedicated as Black History Month in the United States of America. Commemorating the victories and legacies of African Americans and recognizing the hardships they have faced throughout our history, it is a pinnacle time of awareness and memorialization in the lives of American citizens. In honor of this past month’s observations, we wanted to provide information on women’s health surrounding the realities of breast cancer for black women.

Black Women and Breast Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for black women. Falling second to lung cancer, breast cancer is also a top cause of cancer-related mortality. It is crucial for black women to understand the likelihood of a diagnosis, the risks surrounding breast cancer, and ways to routinely check for potential breast tumors. There are many questions surrounding the truth on breast cancer statistics, particularly pertaining to black women. Educating people on the realities of breast cancer plays a key role in women knowing what to watch for regarding their breasts and in changing some of the socially constructed elements surrounding medical and breast care for black women.

What is breast cancer?

Essentially, breast cancer is the uncontrolled development of breast cells. This is why it is recommended that women examine their breasts regularly for evidence of changes to the breast such as puckering or discoloration, as they are often the first symptoms to appear.

What would lead to a breast cancer diagnosis?

Although there are many different varieties of cancer, tumor biology at its base level remains consistent, and they all have similar characteristics. The genes in the human body regulate and control cell proliferation. The job of genes, which are found in the nucleus of cells, is to ensure that as old cells die, they are replaced by new cells. Mutations can develop, causing this process to be disrupted. This change can significantly affect the regeneration process, removing control from the genes and allowing the cells to continue making new cells without restriction. The production of additional cells can lead to the formation of a tumor. The emergence of a malignant tumor (which is an aggressive form of cells and can spread to other areas of the body via the blood and lymph systems) is what typically generates a breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Risk for Black Women

Age, ancestry, family history, and type of diagnosis affect the severity and likeliness of breast cancer.

Who has the highest risk of breast cancer?

Despite a lower incidence of breast cancer development, black women’s lives are approximately 40% more likely result in breast cancer death. Women of a younger age, meaning below the age of 45, also tend to have the highest risk. There is no simple answer to this disproportion, as these starkly contrasting numbers seem to arise from a combination of factors, including both sociological conditions and genetic factors.

Disparities of Breast Cancer and Race

In recent years, there have been increasing conversations surrounding the tragic breast cancer disparities of medical care and attention for people of color. These risks and realities prove particularly tangled and problematic in the world of health care and surgical access. While this is true, Dr. Gorman of Texas Breast Center is eager to dismantle this problem through targeted, attentive care for each person who comes under her expert care.

The prevalence of breast cancer is still far greater than we like to see, which is why Dr. Gorman and her team at Texas Breast Center fight endlessly to see these numbers decrease. Particularly among black women, the statistics of more aggressive forms of breast cancer diagnoses, such as triple-negative breast cancer, are astronomically higher.

What is triple-negative breast cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancer is a form of breast cancer that tests negative for all three receptors: estrogen, progesterone, and HER-2. This kind of breast cancer is one of the more aggressive and invasive breast cancer types, with high spread and growth rates. Both age and race play into the likeliness of this diagnosis, as it is most common in women under forty and in black women.

Not all black women are at the same risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer. Research shows that particularly those born in Western Africa and the United States are at an increased risk for triple negative breast cancer in comparison to those born in East Africa. This difference is especially notable when compared to white women or women of other races. According to the American Cancer Society, black women in the United States are actually twice as likely as white women to receive this diagnosis. This may be a reason for the lower rate of survival among black breast cancer patients. Educating oneself on the risks of breast cancer can help black women act in anticipation and preparation and increase the chances of survival through early detection.

Dr. Gorman at Texas Breast Center

While statistics surrounding breast cancer can seem overwhelming and may evoke fear, Dr. Valerie Gorman combats this with the truth that “treatment for breast cancer has improved significantly over the last few years, and success rates continue to rise.” Breast cancer outcomes and treatments have never seemed more optimistic.

Dr. Gorman and her team at Texas Breast Center, located in Waxahachie, are devoted to caring for every patient in a manner tailored to their unique case, conducting each interaction with expert care, attention, and skill. Providing honest, advanced information on the risk factors of breast cancer and the leading treatment options is a top priority of this Texas-based breast surgeon. She dedicates herself to the wellbeing of every single patient and, in doing so, aims to topple the disparities that black women diagnosed with breast cancer face and help reduce the rates of breast cancer mortality, one case at a time.

Staying informed

As a leading surgeon, Dr. Gorman advocates for preventative measures and staying on top of breast health. Regular self-breast checks, mammography screening, a regular clinical breast exam, assessing controllable risk factors, and remaining informed on the latest news surrounding breast care are all steps that can increase the chances of detecting breast cancer while it is still in the early stages.

If you have any questions surrounding breast cancer or breast cancer risk factors, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Gorman and her team at Texas Breast Cancer.

 

https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/cancer-facts-figures-for-african-americans.html

https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cncr.32293?referrer_access_token=tNmZThNQBcGMkZz0Mw1KaU4keas67K9QMdWULTWMo8PjlxlDClmn9SMF_cvVV7b6CVxSyInTq9HeXJidKb9BxMA8NsR


How Breast Cancer is Diagnosed

No one is excited to get a mammogram or go through other breast cancer screening tests. However, keeping on top of breast health and regular screening can be life-saving. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome is more likely to be.

First Steps

Keeping on top of regular breast self-checks, yearly mammograms, and annual physicals can help increase the chances of finding breast cancer in the early stages. That is to say, mammograms and self-checks will not increase the chances of a diagnosis but of early detection of the disease should it occur. These are three possible first steps in a potential breast cancer diagnosis.

Self Breast Check

A self breast-check, also known as breast self-exams, is a method used to keep yourself informed and aware of your own breasts and breast tissue. They should be done monthly, if possible, and especially if you meet a high number of risk factors, and they do not take long. But if performed regularly, they can keep you very familiar with the feel and appearance of the breasts, meaning any change is sure to stand out.

The process is relatively simple:

  • Start by looking at your breasts, both looking down and checking them in a mirror. Check for any changes in color, size, or shape. Signs of cancer or other infection are swelling, redness, dimpling, puckering, or discoloration. Especially check the nipple for inversion, pain, or unexpected or bloody discharge.
  • Raise your arms and reexamine. Having your arms up may shift the positions of the breasts to reveal something you may have missed otherwise.
  • Use the pads of a few fingers to carefully feel over the entire breast. Use consistent, small, circular motions to move across, up, and down the whole breast, covering the collarbone to the top of the rib cage and cleavage to the armpit
  • . Use enough pressure to feel deep tissue but not enough to hurt yourself.
  • Lay down and repeat the process.

Keeping up with regular breast self-exams will make it easier to notice any changes. If you find anything of concern, speak with your physician to discuss options and further screening.

Clinical Breast Exam

A clinical breast exam is part of the standard physical. It is a breast exam performed by your doctor, in which they will physically examine and feel each breast to feel for any changes or lumps in the tissue. The clinical breast exam becomes particularly relevant if you are at high risk of breast cancer or have noticed changes in your breasts during a breast self-examination. Raise any concerns with your physician so they can help you and discuss any necessary next steps.

It is not as simple as finding a lump and having doctors diagnose breast cancer. Should something be found during these exams, your doctor will likely send you to get a mammogram or ultrasound.

Schedule your appointment for a clinical exam today!

Breast Imaging Tests

Mammograms

Another way to keep on top of your breast cancer risk and status is to receive regular mammograms. A screening mammogram, or mammography, is an X-ray of the breast using a low dose of radiation. Two plates will compress the breast at different angles to get multiple digital images, which a radiologist can examine for signs of breast disease or any other possible abnormality.

However, those who have particularly dense breast tissue or scar tissue in the breast are likely to have false positives in a mammogram. Breast cancer, dense tissue, and even cysts (fluid-filled sacs) appear white on x-rays, with limited ways to distinguish between them. For this reason, a potential positive from a diagnostic mammogram is not considered conclusively positive. Additional tests or a biopsy should be taken to confirm accuracy.

Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to form a picture of the breast tissue. This is a good alternative to a mammogram if you’re pregnant and shouldn’t be exposed to x-rays. While ultrasounds are not generally used for cancer screening, they work well at differentiating a fluid-filled cyst from more solid masses. It can also give locations of tumors to help doctors, should they need to perform a biopsy or further investigation. Some surgical oncologists will use ultrasound during lumpectomies to establish the boundaries of the breast cancer before they begin removal.

MRI Scan

MRIs, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging tests, use magnetic fields to produce images of the breast’s interior. A contrast dye is injected before the screening, revealing where any blockages are. MRIs are not often used to diagnose breast cancer but instead used after an initial diagnosis to see how far cancer has spread. However, it can be used in combination with a mammogram to screen if:

  • there is a strong family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
  • the breasts are particularly dense (primarily ducts, fibrous tissue, and glands, with little fatty tissue), so any signs of breast cancer would be difficult to spot on a mammogram alone
  • the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation or other genetic mutations are present
  • radiation treatments have been applied to the chest before age 30

These traits can potentially lead to a high risk of breast cancer or, in the case of the dense tissue, an increased risk of missing early-stage breast cancer.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Detection

Specific imaging tests can detect metastasis once breast cancer has already been diagnosed. Biopsies can be performed by interventional radiologists, doctors whose primary focus is minimally invasive and targeted therapy.

Biopsy Sample

There are multiple kinds of biopsies, each serving their own purposes, though generally speaking, a biopsy is used to confirm or rule out a breast cancer diagnosis. Put simply, a biopsy takes a small amount of cells or tissue from an area of concern to examine under a microscope to establish whether these cells are cancerous or not. A pathologist–a doctor specialized in interpreting lab data and evaluating and diagnosing based on cells and tissues–will create a pathology report to explain what was found and discuss potential treatment options.

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy

The tissue or cell sample is removed using a thin needle.

Core Needle Biopsy

Like the fine needle aspiration method, the core needle biopsy uses a needle to remove the needed sample. However, the needle gets a core of tissue, so it collects a larger sample. This is generally the preferred technique for getting breast cancer diagnosed once an abnormality has been found in the breast, whether through physical examination or imaging tests. A pathologist will examine the sample to establish whether they are invasive cancer cells and identify any cancer biomarkers. Local anesthesia is commonly used to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Image-Guided Biopsy

Image-guided biopsies are a form of core needle biopsy that map the area and guide the needle to the correct area of calcifications or mass through the use of imaging devices, such as ultrasound, mammography, or MRI. Usually, a marker is left behind–a small metal clip, usually titanium–to mark where the sample was taken.

Surgical Biopsy

Surgical biopsies are usually performed after a diagnosis has already been given, so they are rarely used as diagnostic tests. Most potential breast cancer patients will be given a form of needle biopsy to avoid unnecessary surgery. However, surgical biopsy does yield the largest amount of tissue.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Breast cancer will sometimes spread into the local lymphatic system. The lymph nodes the breast cancer cells reach first are referred to as the sentinel lymph nodes and are usually the axillary lymph nodes (found under the arms). The sentinel lymph node biopsy removes 1-3 lymph nodes to avoid needing to remove more lymph nodes later.

Staging Breast Cancer

Once a breast cancer diagnosis has been established, your doctor will establish its severity in one of the breast cancer stages. The stage helps determine your prognosis and the best treatment options to take moving forward.

Some procedures that may be used to establish the breast cancer’s stage are:

  • Mammogram
  • Breast MRI
  • Blood tests
  • Bone scan
  • PET scan
  • CT scan

The stages ran from 0–meaning noninvasive and relatively contained–to IV–also called metastatic, meaning it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment Options

A patient’s treatment plan will be determined based on their breast cancer stage, health, and other factors. Dr. Gorman at the Texas Breast Center always ensures that each patient receives a personalized and targeted approach to breast cancer treatment to best meet their needs.


Breast Cancer Recurrence: New Data in 2022

In layman’s terms, breast cancer recurrence happens when cancer has come back after treatment. When a number of breast cancer cells evade initial treatment and later aggregate, they cause the cancer to return despite months or even years of remission. It is important to note that a minimum of a year must pass between the execution of cancer therapy and the appearance of growing cancer cells for the growth to be deemed a recurrence, rather than treatment failure or progression of cancer.

Every survivor of breast cancer faces a chance of recurrence, so it is essential to understand what to look for and how to take proactive measures. We have written a previous article that details risk factors of breast cancer recurrence and many of the prevention and treatment methods used to fight the growth of cancer cells. However, new data has arisen, giving us an even greater insight into the ins and outs of breast cancer recurrence.

New Data

Initially, recurrence was thought to happen within the first five years after treatment. Risk is greatest during these beginning years, but up-to-date studies reveal that the risk of recurrence lasts more than thirty years. Cancer cells can lay dormant, causing them to be undetectable for long periods, leading to a recent notable concern of the risks of late recurrence. The growing concern is attributed to a high cumulative incidence increase (which is an estimate of the risk that one may experience an event within a specific period). This means that more patients are at risk for late recurrence due to an increased number of long-term breast cancer survivors.

While this information seems alarming, and certain factors make recurrence more likely, thankfully, those who have a recurrence are not in the majority, and research has allowed us to identify the most prominent contributors to recurrences. The study also notes that because of the allotted time between the research participants’ first diagnoses and present day, as well as the study’s focus on late recurrence (requiring an extended follow-up), there have been significant changes and improvements in treatment procedures and technology since the participants’ initial treatment. Therefore, the study results are uncertain in association with today’s regimens. Because of this, such studies are paramount and must be completed repetitively to find continual up-to-date results.

Recurrent Breast Cancer

While the chances of a recurrence are not common, it is still valuable to consider the risk factors and to understand the realities of the different types of recurrences.

Types of Recurrence

If a recurrence does occur, a breast surgeon will categorize it by its appearance in proximity to the initial breast cancer. The three forms are:

Local recurrence

  • This refers to when the breast cancer returns to the same chest area as the original tumor.
  • Changes in appearance or feel (such as thickening of the skin or new lumps) are typical indicators of a local recurrence.

Regional recurrence

  • It is deemed regional recurrence if cancer cells show growth in nearby lymph nodes (found in the armpit or collarbone) to the initial cancer area.
  • Regional recurrence is differentiated from local recurrence solely because of the involvement of lymph nodes.
  • Symptoms of regional recurrence may involve newfound pain or lumps in the arm attached to the side of the body with the original breast cancer.

Distant recurrence

  • When cancer has traveled to different parts of the body (such as bone or organs), it is considered a distant recurrence.
  • Another name for this is metastatic breast cancer.
  • Bone pain, weakness, and extreme fatigue may point to metastatic breast cancer.
  • It is considered stage IV cancer, as the cancer has extended to other parts of the body.

Which breast cancer is most likely to recur?

The initial diagnosis is a significant indicator of the chance of recurrence. Recurrent breast cancer is most likely to appear in patients who had an original tumor with more than three positive lymph nodes.

What are the chances of recurrence of breast cancer?

The cumulative incidence of recurrence is between 8.5-16.6% for fifteen to thirty-two years after a primary diagnosis. Chances of late recurrence are typically higher for those whose initial breast cancer was found in the lymph nodes and resulted in tumors over 2o millimeters. The chances are higher for women who were 35 or younger during their primary diagnosis. According to the recent data, 2,595 of the 20,315 women involved in the research study were diagnosed with a recurrence more than ten years following their initial bout with breast cancer.

Is recurrent breast cancer worse?

Recurrent breast cancer may prove more challenging to manage, and the therapy used in your initial treatment may no longer be effective in your specific case. Metastatic cancer may also require more aggressive treatment, as the cancer has spread to more than just one part of your body. Recurrent breast cancer should not automatically be considered worse than the primary diagnosis, but it will often require different methods of treatment or therapy.

Treatment

Even simple cells can become tumors if not adequately treated. It is impossible to guarantee a 100% chance of freedom from cancer recurrence. Still, treatment may be able to halt the growth of undetected cells for many years, and there are methods of prevention that the doctor-patient duo can take to reduce your risk of recurrence.

While a breast cancer diagnosis can seem bleak, both Dr. Gorman and the researchers of this recent study recognize the significant evolution of modern-day regimens and their success rate. If your breast cancer comes back, treatment is available. Depending on the type of breast cancer, treatment may entail surgical treatment and radiation therapy. More aggressive treatment regimens and therapy approaches may be merited for those at a higher risk of late recurrence. Survivors are also encouraged to stay under extended surveillance by making regular check-ins with their doctors and surgeons.

Risk Factors and Therapy

The chances of recurrence are significantly lowered by the proactive utilization of hormone, chemo, or radiation therapy following the initial removal of cancer cells. You can play a role in lowering the recurrence risk factors by opting for therapy options (such as radiation treatment or endocrine therapy) recommended by your oncologist. Such regimens may attempt to prevent breast cancer recurrence or aid in reducing the potential of recurrence. Exercise and a healthy diet are also easy, proactive measures to implement for holistic well-being and to reduce the risks of recurrence.

Dr. Gorman and Texas Breast Center

Remember that recurrent breast cancer is not your fault. Though a breast cancer diagnosis can be alarming or dismaying, Dr. Gorman holds fast to the fact that “treatment for breast cancer has improved significantly over the last few years, and success rates continue to rise.” There is great hope. Dr. Gorman understands the significant emotional and physical impact a breast cancer diagnosis can play in one’s life. Her team at Texas Breast Center is dedicated to offering patients personalized, advanced care in the treatment of breast cancer recurrence and the prevention of recurrence, as well as support that lasts long after your treatment regimen.

Our previous article: https://www.texasbreastcenter.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-recurrence-what-and-why

New Data: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/963031?uac=390358FV&faf=1&sso=true&impID=3870849&src=mkm_ret_211213_mscpmrk_BC_Monthly

 


Breast Cancer in Men

Breast cancer is represented by the pink ribbon. Research is fundraised through walks decked out in pink, and breast cancer awareness gear can be found covered in slogans like “big or small, save them all” or better yet, “fight like a girl.” And while the runs, marches, and merchandise can go a long way in raising money, they can also go a long way in implying some wrong information. If nearly all breast cancer awareness is geared towards women, does that mean men cannot–or do not–get breast cancer? No. Men may be less likely to get breast cancer than women, but there is still a risk.

How can you tell if a guy has breast cancer?

Breast cancer in men displays similarly to how it does in women. The symptoms are the same, and some are even more easily found due to the smaller amount of breast tissue in most men. With less breast tissue, lumps are more easily noticed and, therefore, diagnosed.

The most common symptoms of male breast cancer are:

  • Scaling, flaking, or redness of the skin of the nipple; can show as puckering or dimpling as well, or can happen to the skin over the whole breast, not just the nipple.
  • A painless thickening, swelling, or lump in the breast.
  • Nipple discharge, retraction, or ulceration.
  • Pain or pulling in the nipple area.

If the cancer cells spread further than the initial breast tumor, there can be additional symptoms and side effects, such as:

  • breast pain
  • bone pain
  • swelling in the underarm lymph glands

If anyone, no matter the person’s gender, experiences these symptoms, they should speak to their doctor. The sooner any breast cancer cells can be found, the more likely any treatment options are to work, and the less rigorous treatment needs to be.

How common is breast cancer in men?

While it is commonly known that breast cancer will develop in approximately one in eight women over the course of their lifetimes, the statistics on male breast cancer are less well known. When you search google for ‘how common is breast cancer,’ every answer on the first page is about women. Most sites collecting data on cancer categorize breast cancer as ‘female breast’ cancer to clarify that their data does not include men, despite many other cancer types (stomach, colorectum, leukemia, etc.) gathering data for both men and women. While this makes it easy to do cancer research for women, it makes it difficult to find information for male cancer patients.

One source, however, found that one out of every one hundred breast cancer diagnoses is given to a man. So, while men are at less of a risk than women, there is still a chance of breast cells becoming cancerous.

The American Cancer Society did offer that approximately 2,550 new male breast cancer cases are diagnosed each year. With breast cancer being 100 times more common in women than men, and with a man’s risk of diagnosis averaging around one in 1,000, it is easy to see why it’s not as prominently discussed. However, the risk is still there, and men should know what to look for to minimize risk.

However, just as with women, some men have more risk factors than others. These risk factors do not guarantee that this person will get breast cancer, nor does avoiding the risk factors guarantee that the person will avoid a breast cancer diagnosis. However, if you have these factors in your history, or are aware of them, be mindful of the signs, symptoms, and possible screening guidelines for breast cancer.

What are the risk factors for men?

Some of the risk factors for male breast cancer include:

  • Family history of breast cancer–you have a higher chance of developing breast cancer if you have a close family member who has, or has had, breast cancer.
  • Age–most male breast cancer diagnoses happen after 50 and are most commonly between age 60-70. It is usually rare for a man to get breast cancer under the age of 35.
  • Radiation therapy treatment–having a history of radiation therapy to the chest can increase the risk of breast cancer.
  • Liver disease–liver cirrhosis and other liver diseases can reduce androgen (commonly referred to as male hormones) levels and increase estrogen (commonly referred to as female hormones) levels in men, increasing risk.
  • Testicle surgery or disease–surgical removal of a testicle (orchiectomy), testicular injuries, or testicle diseases or conditions such as mumps orchitis or undescended testicles can increase breast cancer risk.
  • Estrogen exposure–those who take, or have taken in the past, estrogen or estrogen-related drugs (used for hormone therapy for prostate cancer) can have a higher risk of breast cancer.
  • Obesity–obesity can be associated with higher estrogen levels, leading to an increased risk factor.
  • Enlarged breasts–having enlarged breast tissue, known as gynecomastia, can come from infection, drug or hormone treatments, as well as other causes. Having additional tissue can make it difficult to notice early signs of breast cancer.
  • Breast cancer genes–mutations to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes dramatically increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. People of all genders should be aware of the potential danger of the mutation of these genes.
  • Klinefelter’s syndrome–Klinefelter’s syndrome is genetic and can be considered a form of being intersex. It occurs when a boy has more than one X chromosome, leading to lower androgen levels and higher estrogen levels. This increased amount of estrogen can increase the risk factor.

Can trans men get breast cancer?

Anyone can get breast cancer. However, transgender men and non-binary people occupy a unique space regarding risk factors and following the breast cancer story from start to finish. Many AFAB (assigned female at birth) men or non-binary people carry the same risk factors that cisgender (non-transgender) women have, especially if they have not taken steps such as gender-affirming surgery or hormone therapy.

Most data on the subject of transgender and non-binary people and their risk and experience with breast cancer comes from individual case studies and anecdotal experiences rather than extensive cancer research. One such study conducted in 2013 in the Netherlands examined nearly 800 AFAB trans men taking testosterone and discovered only one case of breast cancer. Overall, the study stated that “The rate of breast cancer among trans men in this study was estimated to be much lower than the rate of breast cancer among cisgender women and similar to the rate among cisgender men in the Dutch population” (1).

Do top surgery or binding affect breast cancer risk?

Binding, a practice not uncommon among trans men and non-binary people, compresses the breast tissue to make the chest seem flatter to help reflect the person’s gender identity more accurately and comfortably. Binding can sometimes cause adverse symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain, and skin infections, especially when done by more risky methods (tape, ace bandages, leaving binders on for too long). However, binding has not been linked to breast cancer.

Top surgery, a mastectomy performed to align the patient’s breasts and chest with their gender identity, is a different form of mastectomy from those performed for breast cancer purposes. Top surgery mastectomies remove fatty tissue but may leave behind some glandular (milk-producing) tissue and lymph vessels, where cancer may form. People who receive top surgery should still perform regular breast self-checks and discuss the risks of cancer with their doctor.

Can male breast cancer kill you?

There is a risk of death as with any cancer, depending on when the breast cancer cells are discovered. According to the American Cancer Society, the prognosis for breast cancer in men is similar to that in women. The odds of surviving five or more years after the initial diagnosis are, on average:

  • 96%–when cancer is still only affecting the breast tissue at diagnosis
  • 83%–when cancer has spread through the breast to nearby areas, such has the local lymph system (underarm, etc.)
  • 23%–when the disease has spread throughout the body

Just as is recommended to women, it is essential to be aware of any changes in the breast so that if cancer cells start to grow, treatment can begin as soon as possible.

What is the survival rate of male breast cancer?

As mentioned above, 2,550 new cases of breast cancer in men are diagnosed annually. Unfortunately, this same cancer also leads to around 480 deaths in men. While this is significantly lower than the close-to-40,000 women who die of breast cancer annually, it is still a statistic that can be lowered.

Most male breast cancers are diagnosed after patients discover a lump in their chest. However, many tend to leave this concern alone until other, more severe, symptoms arise, such as blood coming from the nipple. However, by this time, the cancer has likely spread further, making the necessary treatment harsher and the risks involved a little grimmer.

By informing male patients of the possible risk factors for breast cancer, they can be more aware should they notice something out of place in their chest. Self-breast checks can be just as necessary for men, transgender, and non-binary people as for cisgender women, and everyone should have the chance to be informed of their risk.

If you have questions about your risk factors, any changes in your breasts, or simply about breast cancer, speak with your doctor, or Dr. Gorman at the Texas Breast Center is happy to help answer any questions. Her goal is to keep all patients informed and prepared.

Read the article on Gender Influences and the Cause of Breast Cancer

  1. Gooren LJ, van Trotsenburg MA, Giltay EJ, van Diest PJ. Breast cancer development in transsexual subjects receiving cross-sex hormone treatment. J Sex Med. 2013;10:3129-34.

Breast Cancer in Transgender People

Breast cancer is a vicious disease that is far more prevalent than we would like. One in eight women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their life, and one in one thousand men receive the same. However, more rarely discussed when mentioning these statistics is the risk of breast cancer for transgender people.

Transgender people–those who identify with a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth–may choose to receive treatments to align their bodies with the physical standard of their gender. This process, called transitioning, can include surgeries as well as gender-affirming hormone therapy. While some find these changes unnecessary, others rely on them to feel comfortable in their own bodies.

What gender is most likely to get breast cancer?

Most people could tell you that women are more likely to get breast cancer than men. And while this is correct, many don’t know the reasons why. Between the excess breast tissue and ‘female’ hormones, the female gender identity seems to come with risk. This includes both cisgender–those who are not transgender–and transgender women. However, everyone of any gender should invest in regular breast checks, looking for lumps or any other possible changes to their breasts.

Risk for Trans Women

An increased amount of estrogen and progesterone, commonly known as the female hormones, in the body for any reason will increase the breast cancer risk for anyone, regardless of gender. However, these two hormones can both be used in hormone treatment for trans women or non-binary people, giving their bodies access to more than they naturally produce. While this is perfect for helping transition (alter their physical characteristics to match their gender identity) it does introduce an increased risk where there wasn’t as high a risk before.

Risk for Trans Men

Transgender men, however, tend to lower breast cancer risk factors through both surgical means and cross-sex hormone treatment. Trans men and some non-binary people receive top surgery, a form of mastectomy that removes the breasts to give them flatter chests. While this procedure is different from a mastectomy performed to clear out breast cancer, a large amount of breast tissue is still removed. With less breast tissue, there is, simply put, less room to develop breast cancer. However, the lymph nodes and glandular tissue–two places breast cancer is likely to form–are usually still left in place. Also, consider that scars left behind can make breast imaging for breast cancer screening difficult.

Furthermore, breast cancer cases in trans men are relatively low because of their own hormone therapy. Trans men, and some non-binary people, go through testosterone therapy. Testosterone, commonly considered the male hormone, can bring trans men’s physical appearance closer to that of the general male population. And, while an unusually high amount of androgens–hormones relevant to sexual development, including testosterone–can lead to an increased breast cancer risk, testosterone treatment doesn’t tend to add enough of the hormone to the body to cause this kind of higher breast cancer risk.

Cisgender People

When discussing cisgender people, breast cancer development is far more likely to happen in women. However, even among cisgender women, some are more at risk than others, especially due to factors out of their control. For example, those who started menstruating early and became menopausal late have an increased risk. This increase is due to the excess amount of estrogen and progesterone these women were exposed to; as with trans women, the excessive amount increases the risk of breast cancer.

Cisgender men generally have the lowest risk of breast cancer. However, this does not mean they have no risk. Cis men absolutely should still be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, such as breast pain and nipple discharge, as well as the risk factors, such as family history and testicular surgery.

Is Trans hormone therapy dangerous?

As with any medical procedure or treatment, there are some risks to hormone treatment. Taking estrogen while smoking, for example, increases the risk of blood clots. One risk of taking testosterone is a high hematocrit count, or overly thick blood, leading to a possible stroke or heart attack. And while many trans men, trans women, and non-binary people may choose not to pursue hormone therapy due to these risks, one must also consider that those listed above are not the only people who utilize this treatment.

Many cisgender menopausal and postmenopausal women participate in hormone replacement therapy to treat their menopausal symptoms. The boost in estrogen that they no longer naturally produce minimizes their hot flashes and vaginal discomfort and has even been proved to reduce bone fracture and prevent bone loss.

Risks for this treatment are commonly listed as blood clots, stroke, heart disease, and, of course, breast cancer. So, while it is well known that hormone treatment alters the absolute risk of breast cancer, this is not strictly an issue for transgender people.

Who has the highest risk of breast cancer?

A Dutch study published online in 2019–”Breast cancer risk in transgender people receiving hormone treatment: nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands“–investigated the risk of breast cancer in transgender people receiving hormone treatment between 1972 and 2016 from a specialist clinic in Amsterdam (1). In this time, 2,260 trans women and 1,229 trans men were treated. In the population of transgender women–those assigned male at birth (amab) but identify with the female sex–15 cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed, approximately .7%. However, among cisgender women, the statistic is closer to 12.5% or one in eight women.

Of the transgender men–those who were assigned female at birth (afab) but have a male gender identity–examined in the study, only four cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed. This gives trans men a standard risk of approximately .3% if the study is trusted. Cisgender men receive breast cancer diagnoses in one in 1000 men, approximately .1%. However, the numbers and data pulled from the study are not the be all end all for transgender breast cancer risk statistics. More research needs to be done to have more confidence in the numbers.

However, using the data we have available from the study, those with the highest risk of breast cancer are the general female population, with cisgender women having the highest risk of all. Trans women follow after, then the general male population, with cisgender males having the lowest risk of breast cancer.

It is crucial for transgender people to understand the health risks that can come with transitioning. While many choose not to transition, many consider it of absolute importance to their health, both physical and mental. Further research needs to be done to better understand just what transitioning means to understand any potential side effects or health problems. Patients will need to know their new risks and new preventative measures to perform that they may not be familiar with, such as regular self-breast checks.

Dr. Gorman at the Texas Breast Center works to keep her patients informed of breast cancer risks, screening options, and treatment. Each patient she and her team see is treated with a personalized and targeted treatment plan.

 

  1. https://www.bmj.com/content/365/bmj.l1652

History of Breast Cancer

March is Women’s History Month. The history of women and the history of breast cancer go hand in hand. But how far back does the history of breast cancer go? How long have we known about it, and how long have we been able to treat it? This article will discuss treatments and diagnoses of breast cancer since antiquity.

Who first discovered breast cancer?

When did breast cancer start?

Breast cancer, and cancer as a whole, has likely been around as long as humanity has. Evidence of prostate cancer has been found on skeletons of both a Russian king (approximately 2,700 years old) and an Egyptian mummy (about 2,200 years old). But the earliest record we have of breast cancer can be found on the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, an Egyptian papyrus dating back to 3000-2500 BC. While the papyrus does not offer much in the way of treatment options, it does give a way to identify an incurable disease as “cool to touch, bulging and spread all over the breast.”

Ancient Greece, around 460 BC, gave us the term carcinoma (karkinoma). Carcinoma is a cancer that starts in skin or organ tissue cells rather than in structures like blood vessels or bones. However, breast cancer treatment was still relatively unsuccessful as it was believed that disease was caused by imbalances of the four humours, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile, and blood. To treat illnesses, one had to remove or increase the humours within the body. Galen, a well-known Greek physician from around 168 BC, claimed that breast cancer was caused by too much black bile and began to treat the condition with surgery to remove the tumor, though he let the incisions bleed to continue removing excess bile.

While the surgery that Galen performed spread throughout Greece, the increase in religious philosophies and medical approaches prevented the practice from going much further. Early Christianity believed surgery to be more barbaric than their faith healing preference, a tradition that persisted through much of the world between 476 and 1500 AD. However, between the 10th and 15th centuries, Abu Al-Qasim Al-Zahrawl and Ibn Sina, a pair of Islamic physicians, revived the Greek practices, including surgery, and wrote many medical texts. Their ideas and practices spread throughout Europe.

The 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, known more commonly as the Renaissance period, saw a growth in surgical practice. Where once ‘surgeon’ was simply a title tagged onto the end of ‘barber’, and a procedure could be performed after a haircut, surgeons now had their own trade. John Hunter, a Scottish surgeon, proposes the first idea of breast cancer in stages. While not as clearly defined as those we have today, there were some stages where surgery was necessary, while others were not. This was also a time of no anesthesia, so these early lumpectomies and mastectomies had to be performed quickly and accurately.

As the 19th century rolled around, significant improvements were made to the safety of surgery. With the introduction of hygiene to medical practices (albeit slowly), disinfection and surgical garments became more common. Anesthesia was also developed, helping prevent patient shock and give the doctors more time to perform the breast cancer surgery. William Halsted, an American surgeon, developed the radical mastectomy procedure in 1894. This procedure removes the entire tumor in a single piece together with the breast, the axillary lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, and pectoral muscles. This was the first time breast cancer was considered treatable and even curable. Two years later, Thomas Beatson, a British surgeon, announces that oophorectomies–operations to remove one or both ovaries– can reduce tumors in advance breast cancer.

Modern Breast Cancer Treatments

The 20th century brought vast change to breast cancer treatment. Tumors were shrunk using radiation. Chemotherapy was introduced in the 1940s, and Robert Egan introduced mammography as a breast cancer detection option in 1962. The first modern autologous breast reconstruction was performed in 1979, allowing for more natural feeling breasts. More medications, procedures, and treatments for breast cancer have been researched and implemented, as well as potential causes and risk factors. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes–commonly known as the breast cancer gene– were discovered in 1995. A few years later, new breast cancer subtypes–HER2 positive, triple-negative, progesterone receptor-positive, and estrogen receptor-positive–were classified in 2000.

Even today, new research is still being performed to improve upon the surgeries, treatments, and post-op for breast cancer patients to have the best possible results. Dr. Gorman was involved in a study using the Biozorb implantable marker that helps target radiation therapy as well as post-operation imaging. She also contributes to the study on Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation, or APBI, a method that shortens the amount of time the patient needs to spend getting radiation therapy and uses a higher dose of radiation in a more targeted beam–assisted by the Biozorb marker. She also uses oncoplastic techniques which help with postoperative cosmesis.

Breast Cancer Treatment Today

With today’s understanding of the disease, treatment is far more effective than it has been in the past. One primary reason for this is the improved breast cancer screening guidelines and understanding of breast cancer risk factors such as family history or having the so-called ‘breast cancer genes’. Knowledge of these risk factors can help set up specific screening procedures for those with a higher risk of breast cancer while still having a standard screening arrangement for those with lower risk. Getting a regular mammogram and breast self exam are easy steps to keep an eye out for early potential signs and symptoms. The sooner breast cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat.

Once a breast cancer diagnosis is reached, a treatment plan is agreed upon; no patient’s treatment plan and recovery are exactly alike. Treatment plans can–but do not necessarily–include breast surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted medical therapy, as well as cosmetic surgery to aid in the patient’s self-image after an oncological procedure. Each of these treatment options has benefits and downsides and side effects and is more useful in some situations than others. The different surgical approaches can be applied depending on the tumor’s size and how far the breast cancer cells have spread. There are options to save more of the breast tissue and chest muscles if the breast cancer is caught early enough.

Combination treatments–surgery accompanied by radiation therapy or chemotherapy alongside medical therapy, for example–can help by approaching the breast cancer from different angles, ensuring thorough results with no cancer cells left behind and decreasing recurrence. With a combined effort from a full oncological team, the survival and recovery rates have increased exponentially since the days of the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus.

Dr. Gorman and her team at the Texas Breast Center work together to treat breast cancer from all angles. Dr. Gorman focuses on treating from the surgical side and works closely with medical and radiation oncologists to form a personalized treatment plan best suited to each patient. She also looks to the future of treatment by keeping aware of current and ongoing breast cancer research to best treat her patients. If you have questions or are ready to find your next steps in treatment, reach out to the Texas Breast Center. The team is prepared to help.


Breast Cancer Screening

An essential part of breast cancer awareness and breast cancer prevention is breast cancer screening. Screening takes many forms, from the self-breast check to the breast MRI, but all play their part. These screening examinations provide an opportunity to catch signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as well as lumps, early so that treatment options can be less extreme. Here is some information on the basics of different tests, when and how they are taken, and the decision-making process behind them.

When should I start breast cancer screening?

While any person with breasts should start a regular breast self-exam as their breasts start to develop, clinical screening does not need to begin so early. Different organizations vary in their breast cancer screening recommendations, especially as it comes to when exactly you should begin your breast cancer screening. Your particular risk and family history can play a part in your timeline.

When should I get screened for breast cancer?

The general timeline recommends:

  • Ages 25-39: Self breast exam monthly; annual clinical breast exam; mammogram for high-risk patients (annually, starting 10 years before youngest family member diagnosed with breast cancer)
  • Ages 40-54: At age 40, patients with normal risk start annual screening mammogram.
  • Ages 55+: It is recommended that screening continues for as long as the patient is still living a healthy life and is expected to do so for at least ten more years. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women between 40-74 with screened mammograms have a decreased chance of dying from breast cancer.

As with any medical concerns or tests, ask your doctor the best time to start your breast cancer screening and how often you should go.

What are the screening tests for breast cancer?

There are a handful of different kinds of breast cancer screening tests, each with its own purpose and use, as well as benefits and risks.

What are Clinical Breast Exams?

A clinical breast exam is an exam performed in a doctor’s office by a doctor or other health professional. They will use their hands to feel and check for any physical abnormalities, signs, or symptoms of breast cancer in the breast and surrounding areas. These include lumps, irritated or puckered skin, and swelling.

The doctor will also ask for any relevant information such pregnancy history or the date of the patient’s last period. These can affect a patient’s risk of developing breast cancer and the current state of their breast. It is always best to be familiar with your own breasts look and feel so you can note any changes to your doctor straight away.

Most often, when a woman finds a lump or other sign or symptom, it tends to be during dressing, bathing, or other regular activities. However, doing these regular physical and visual checks, especially self-checks, keeps you familiar with your breasts’ regular state, so you are more likely to notice a change.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is the most common method of breast cancer screening in women ages 25 and above. It is a low dose x-ray exam that provides internal images of the breast. Mammography is an integral part of early detection because it can find small changes within the breast before these changes can be felt or seen by the patient or their doctor. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) can also be found early in mammograms. DCIS is a collection of abnormal and/or pre-cancerous cells in the milk ducts of the breasts. The sooner breast cancer is found and treated, the better, as it is usually much easier to treat in early stages.

As with any medical test, there are some risks. Because it is an x-ray, there is radiation involved. However, it is such a low dose, and such a brief exposure, that no radiation is left in the body after the examination. These risks also include the chance of a false-positive in the test results. A false positive can be caused by particularly dense breast tissue, scar tissue, or other factors. However, most doctors will not give a positive diagnosis purely based on just the mammogram due to the risk of false positives. They will recommend another form of test to compare results. There is also a 10-15% risk of a false-negative test result from a mammogram.

Another form of this test is digital mammography, also known as 3D mammography or tomosynthesis, which is particularly helpful for women with dense breast tissue or other factors that might cause a false positive on a typical mammogram. This screening exam can improve the chances of finding small cancers while reducing the need for additional testing to confirm false positives. 3D mammography does give a clearer picture of the breast tissue.

Other Breast Cancer Screening Tests

A few other types of breast cancer screening tests are used less commonly, though each has its purpose. These screening tests are generally used for women or patients with many risk factors, such as a family history of breast cancer or a genetic predisposition for breast cancer, or potential positives in previous mammograms.

  • Breast MRI Screening–MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, uses radio waves and magnets to collect detailed images of the body. This is often used for high-risk patients and those with a genetic mutation that increases their risk of breast cancer. This may actually start prior to mammogram on these high-risk patients.
  • Breast Ultrasound–An ultrasound of the breast can be used when a woman cannot undergo an MRI or x-ray screening (for example, if they are pregnant). Ultrasounds are particularly useful on dense breast tissue, containing more glands or ducts than fat. The ultrasound can differentiate the dense tissue and breast cancers better than traditional mammography. If there is no contraindication, however, a patient also needs a mammogram.
  • Thermography– Thermography uses a heat-sensing camera to observe and record the temperature of the breast’s skin. Because some tumors cause temperature changes, the thermogram may detect the presence of these tumors. However, there have not yet been any randomized clinical trials of this test to determine its validity. This may be additional information for your physician but does not replace annual mammograms.

What is the most accurate test for breast cancer?

Each test used to screen for breast cancer, from the breast self-exam to the breast ultrasound, has benefits and risks. Mammography is the easiest screening test to access and has been found to to find DCIS and other breast cancer tumors reliably, and is best for average-risk women. However, 5-15% of mammograms need a follow-up by another test for clarification. Ultrasounds can add diagnostic information on a painting and can help give a clearer picture than a mammogram, especially for women with dense breasts. MRIs are also helpful diagnostic tools for women with dense breasts and can sometimes find cancers that were even missed by the ultrasound. MRI cannot be used by those who have metal implants or are allergic to the contrast.

Each of these types of cancer screening exams works uniquely to collect different results. Ask your doctor for their recommendation based on your personal risk factors and concerns.

Does screening for breast cancer really work?

No one breast cancer screening exam is going to find 100% of breast cancer. However, between regular screening and breast self-checks, the chance to find breast cancer while it is still in the early stages increases dramatically. The sooner breast cancer can be detected, the easier it is to treat, and therefore the easier treatment will be on the cancer patients.

Remember, you can speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your risk factors and determine your best method and pacing for screening. Dr. Gorman and her team at the Texas Breast Center are always happy to speak with you about breast cancer and any next steps in treatment plans.

See the article on Breast Cancer Diagnosis.


Breast Cancer Risk Factors

What is a Risk Factor?

A breast cancer diagnosis can seemingly come out of nowhere for many patients. However, many things that could have made this diagnosis (or any potential diagnosis) far more likely for some patients than others. These little details in lives are known as risk factors. Some factors are a part of your lifestyle and can be controlled in your day to day life. Others are beyond a given person’s control, like things built into the DNA. It’s important to note that none of these factors will cause breast cancer. Any one of these risk factors is not a cause for breast cancer. They will only bring about higher risk.

Risk Factors You Can Affect

  • Taking hormones–Some forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including estrogen and progesterone, in menopause can increase the breast cancer risk.
  • Using oral contraceptives–Some birth control pills have been found to raise breast cancer risk.
  • Reproductive history–A few factors relating to childbirth can vary your risk level. Having your first pregnancy after the age of 30, not having children, never having a full-term pregnancy, or not breastfeeding can increasing your breast cancer risk.
  • Being physically active–Women who are more active will decrease their risk of getting breast cancer.
  • Being overweight after menopause–Older women with obesity have an increased risk as opposed to those at a healthier weight.
  • Alcohol–The more alcohol someone drinks, the higher the risk of breast cancer. For example, a woman who has 2-3 alcoholic drinks a day will have a 20% higher risk than a woman who does not drink.
  • Diet–There is some debate about what diets increase or decrease the risk of breast cancer. However, a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and minimizing animal fats has many health benefits.
  • Smoking–Smoking can increase a person’s risk of breast cancer.
  • Night shift/light at night–Routinely working night shifts can bring about a higher risk of breast cancer, possibly due to light exposure at night.

Risk Factors You Cannot Affect

  • Sex–A woman is far more likely to get breast cancer than a man due to the increased exposure to estrogen and progesterone. Because these are the hormones used in hormone replacement therapy for transgender women, this increased risk includes them. While men can certainly get breast cancer, the risk is not as high.
  • Race–White and black women are most likely to develop breast cancer. Black women tend to have the highest risk before 45 and are more likely to die from the disease.
  • Ashkenazi Jewish heritage–Jewish women also have a higher risk of breast cancer, likely due to a high occurrence of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
  • Inherited genes–Several genes that can act as risk factors for breast cancer.
    • BRCA1 and BRCA2
    • ATM
    • BARD1
    • BRIP1
    • CDH1
    • CHEK2
    • NBN
    • NF1
    • PALB2
    • PTEN
    • RAD51C and RAD51D
    • STK11
    • TP53
  • Age–As you get older, your risk of breast cancer increases. Most diagnoses occur after the age of 50, and by the time a person is 60, the risk of breast cancer is 1 in 29.
    Breast History–If someone has previously been diagnosed with breast cancer or another breast disease like lobular carcinoma in situ or atypical hyperplasia, they have a much higher risk of breast cancer in the future.
  • Family History–Women who have a family history of breast cancer, especially when it is a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) previously diagnosed. The risk of breast cancer also increases with multiple family members diagnosed, and a family history of ovarian cancer can also indicate an increased risk.
  • Radiation Exposure–Previous exposure to ionizing radiation in the chest area is a risk factor for breast cancer. Radiation is often used for treating Hodgkin’s disease. The risk is greater if the radiation was applied as a child.
  • Age at First Period–Starting menstruation early, before ages 11 or 12, can raise the breast cancer risk factor by bout 15-20% over those who started to get their periods at 15 or older. This is due to more prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone, which, as mentioned above, increases risk.
  • Age Starting Menopause–Women who start menopause after 55 have an increased risk of breast cancer by approximately 40% compared to those who start at age 45 or younger. Like with the earlier start of menstruation, this is due to more prolonged exposure to progesterone and estrogen.
  • Breast Density–Breast density comes from having more connective tissue than fatty tissue. This denser tissue can make it very difficult to read a mammogram accurately, sometimes increasing the risk of missing a potential diagnosis. Breast density can come from high estrogen levels, indicative of a risk factor rather than one on its own.
  • History of Diethylstilbestrol (DES)–DES was a drug given to some pregnant woman between the 1940s-1950s to prevent miscarriage. Those women and those whose mothers took it all have a high risk of breast cancer.
  • Birth Weight–Women born with a higher birth weight have an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly before menopause.
  • Blood Androgen–Androgens are hormones important to sexual development (including testosterone). An increased amount of androgens in a woman’s blood can increase her breast cancer risk.
  • Bone Density–High bone density can be a breast cancer risk factor. Someone with high bone density can have up to 60-80% higher risk than those with lower density.

    For a deeper look at Breast Cancer Risks, read our Causes series, starting with this article on Family History Risks.

Reducing Risk

  • Breast Cancer Screening–Go for regular breast screening to keep an eye on your breast health. For most, a mammogram is sufficient for checking breast health. A Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) may be better for those of higher risk. Speak with your doctor to establish the best course of action for the frequency and type of screening for you.
  •  Breast Self-Exam–Monthly, you should check your own breast health. While it won’t necessarily catch every sign of breast cancer, it can find many, and it is an excellent way to keep yourself familiar with your breasts. By checking your breasts’ appearance, feel, and textures regularly, you will be more likely to notice any changes should they come. If anything does change, bring it to the attention of your doctor.
  • Breast Feeding–Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, particularly in those pre-menopause.
  • Lifestyle Changes–As mentioned above, some breast cancer risk factors that can be reduced through your own lifestyle choices. By doing what you can to handle these risk factors, such as alcohol intake and physical activity, one can reduce their risk of breast cancer by a great deal while also keeping themself healthy in general.

Speak With Your Doctor

If you are ever concerned about your risk of breast cancer, you can speak with your doctor. While some risk factors are easy to determine for yourself, some must be tested for–blood androgen levels, inherited genes, etc.–which your doctor can help you get access to and understand. Once you and your doctor are familiar with your breast cancer risk level, you can set up a plan for your next steps. These will include recommendations for breast cancer screening–how often and what type–as well as possible medical preventative steps if your risk of breast cancer is high enough.

Dr. Gorman at Texas Breast Cancer is always available to help with any questions about breast cancer risk, preventative steps, and the process should a breast cancer diagnosis be given. She is an advocate for the informed patient, always providing her patients and those who could potentially become patients with the information they need.

If you have any questions about breast cancer or breast cancer risk factors, please feel free to contact Dr. Gorman or her team at Texas Breast Cancer.

 


Breast Cancer Recurrence: What and Why?

When breast cancer comes backs, it is called recurrence. While those who have a recurrence are not in the majority, they are certainly not a rarity or an impossibility. Recurrences typically happen within the first five years after treatment but can occur at any time and have a few ways of returning. To help ease some of the worries of these first few cancer-free years, we want to give some clarity and explanation into what breast cancer recurrence is and what to look for.

See updated data from 2022 on the recurrence of breast cancer.

Causes

Breast cancer recurrence occurs when cells from your original breast cancer manage to escape being treated and begin growing again. This process can sometimes take years. The cancer cells will lay dormant until something kick starts them into growing again.

Risks

Many of the recurrence risk factors are determined by the original tumor and cancer, though the patient determines some. These risk factors include:

  • A large tumor–A larger tumor increases the risk of cells being left behind.
  • Close or positive tumor margins–During surgery, when the surgeon removes the cancer, they will remove a small amount of healthy tissue around it. The tissue is then examined with a microscope. If it is clear of cancer, the margin is considered negative. However, if there are any cells left (considered a positive margin), risk or recurrence increases.
  • Lymph node infection–The risk of recurrence increases if cancer was found in lymph nodes at your original diagnosis.
  • No radiation treatment post-surgery–While most who undergo a lumpectomy choose to receive radiation therapy in the area of cancer afterward to reduce the risk of recurrence, some do not.
  • Inflammatory breast cancer–This type of breast cancer increases the risk of a local recurrence.
  • Specific cancer cell characteristics–Having triple-negative breast cancer or cancer resistant to hormone therapy can increase your risk.
  • No endocrine therapy–For certain types of breast cancer, not receiving endocrine therapy can raise the risk of recurrence in cancer patients.
  • Younger age–Those of a younger age during their initial breast cancer diagnosis, specifically under 35, have a higher risk of their cancer returning, despite generally older generally being a risk factor of cancer in general.
  • Obesity–Increased body mass index increases the risk of breast cancer coming back.

Prevention

There are methods and steps you can take to reduce your risk of recurrence of breast cancer, many in your initial treatment.

  • Chemotherapy–Those with an increased chance of recurrent breast cancer have been shown to have a decreased risk when treated with chemo.
  • Hormone therapy–If you have receptor-positive breast cancer, taking hormone therapy in your initial treatment can reduce your risk. This treatment method can sometimes continue for five or more years.
  • Targeted therapy–If your cancer produced additional HER2 proteins, targeted drug and treatment might reduce your risk.
  • Radiation therapy–A previous breast cancer patient with a large tumor, a breast-sparing operation, or inflammatory cancer would have reduced risk if treated with radiation treatment.
  • Bone-Building–Bone building medications can reduce the risk of recurrence taking place in bones, otherwise known as bone metastasis, for those with a high risk.
  • Healthy Diet–To decrease your risk of breast cancer recurrence, be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet, as well as limiting alcohol to one drink a day.
  • Exercising–Exercising regularly may help reduce your risk.

Kinds of Recurrence

Recurrent breast cancer can take one of three forms, defined by where it appears in reference to the primary cancer and treatment. The three types are local, regional, and distant recurrence.

Local

A local recurrence occurs when cancer cells grow in the same area as your previous cancer. If a lumpectomy was used for treatment (rather than a full mastectomy), cancer might start to regrow in the breast tissue that remains. If a complete mastectomy were performed, the tissue along the skin or chest wall would hold the recurring breast cancer.

Some signs that local recurrence is occurring are:

  • One or more painless lumps, nodules, or irregular areas of firmness under the skin
  • Newly thickened areas along mastectomy scars
  • Changes to the skin (inflammation, redness, changes in texture)
  • Nipple discharge

Many of the signs of a local recurrence are similar to those of initial breast cancer. After treatment, it does not hurt and may help to continue self-breast exams to keep an eye out for any changes, just in case.

Regional

Regional recurrence also happens rather close to the original site of infection. However, the difference between regional and local recurrence is a matter of lymph nodes. In regional recurrence, the local lymph nodes, such as those under the arm, will be infected with cancer.

Signs of regional recurrence cancer may include a lump or swelling in lymph nodes, so continue your self-checks in these areas:

  • Under the arm
  • Along the neck
  • Near and in the groove above the collarbone

This kind of recurrent breast cancer can almost be considered a subset of local recurrence and can many times be found by being familiar with your own body. Regular self-breast checks are just as necessary after breast cancer treatments as they are before.

Distant

Distant recurrence is when cancer recurred somewhere in the body away from the original site. This can include other organs such as the lungs or even bones. In this case, the patient is generally treated much in the same way as those diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. However, treatment can vary from standard stage IV treatment based on the responses to previous treatments.

Treatment

Treatment, many times, is determined by the kind of breast cancer recurrence found. Local will be treated differently from regional will be treated differently from different.

Local Treatment

Local breast cancer recurrence is, if possible, treated with surgical treatment. If a lumpectomy and radiation were used previously, then a mastectomy would be the first choice treatment. If a mastectomy was performed prior, the tumor would be removed, and the patient will be treated with radiation therapy if not already received.

Either way, both of these plans are likely to be accompanied by chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or some combination to ensure a full recovery.

Regional Treatment

Sometimes breast cancer will come back in the lymph nodes. This can be treated by removing the lymph nodes themselves, followed by radiation in the surrounding area, if not already received. Systemic (targeted, hormone, or chemotherapy) treatment after surgery may be discussed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that any remaining cancer cells are eliminated.

Distant Treatment

The primary treatment for distant recurrent breast cancer will be a form of system treatment (hormone, targeted, or chemotherapy) based on how your cancer has responded before. You and your doctor can create a treatment plan that serves you well, knowing what has worked with these breast cancer cells previously and what has not.

Dr. Gorman

Dr. Valerie Gorman and the Texas Breast Center are aware of the risks of recurrent breast cancer and the chances that your breast cancer may come back. This is why she and her team stay with you through your personalized treatment and long after to make sure you know that you always have a support system, whether you need it or not.

Dr. Gorman specializes in surgical oncology and surgical diseases of the breast. She serves as the Medical Director of Surgical Services at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center as well as the Chief of Surgery.


Breast Density FAQs

After a mammogram, some women find out they have dense breasts. They come to me with questions about what that means, how it affects their risk for breast cancer, and what they should do differently. Here’s how I answer the questions I hear most often.

 

What does it mean to have dense breasts?

It’s common for women to have dense breasts. Your breasts are made of fatty tissue, which is not dense, and supportive tissue, milk glands, and milk ducts, which is. The parts of your breast made up of dense tissue show up as white on a mammogram, so it can be harder to spot signs of breast cancer in those areas.

 

How do I know if I have dense breasts?

The radiologist who reviews your mammogram assigns a grade to your breast density based on how much of your breast tissue is dense. You might see something on your mammogram report called Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). There are four levels of breast density:

  • A is almost all fatty tissue, found in about 10 percent of women
  • B is more nondense than dense, found in about 40 percent of women
  • C is more dense than nondense, found in about 40 percent of women
  • D is almost all dense, found in about 10 percent of women

If you fall into the C or D categories, your mammogram report may indicate that you have dense breasts. If it doesn’t say, ask your doctor.

As you can see, about half of all women have dense breasts. You’re more likely to have dense breasts if you are younger, have less body fat, and/or take hormone therapy for menopause.

 

How does my breast density affect my risk for breast cancer?

Since it’s harder to spot breast cancer on dense breasts, you have a higher chance of cancer not being detected on a mammogram. Separately from that, women with dense breasts also have a higher risk of breast cancer.

 

What should I do differently if I have dense breasts?

You should talk to your doctor about your other risk factors for breast cancer and work together to come up with a breast cancer screening schedule that works for you. For my patients with dense breasts but no additional risk for breast cancer, I recommend an annual mammogram beginning at age 40. Depending on other risk factors for breast cancer, I might also recommend:

  • A breast MRI, which uses magnetic forces to image your breast
  • A 3D mammogram, which combines images of your breast taken from different angles
  • Breast ultrasound, which uses sound waves to investigate areas of your breast that might be concerning
  • Molecular breast imaging, which uses a radioactive tracer to look for cancerous areas

What is Breast Cancer?

While most people are familiar with the idea and repercussions of breast cancer, not everyone may know what exactly breast cancer is or how it comes to be.

Kinds of Breast Cancer

Put simply, breast cancer is the continued growth of abnormal cells in the area of the breast. This area can include the ducts (that carry milk), lobules (that produce milk), and connective tissue (that holds everything together. Most breast cancers start in the lobules or ducts. And while this does mean cancers appear in the area that we traditionally think of as the breast, it includes the underarms as well.

But there is not one single type of breast cancer. And sometimes, the types overlap.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

With invasive ductal carcinoma, cancer cells start in ducts and spread out into the surrounding breast tissue. If it continues to spread to other parts of the body, it metastasizes.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

Invasive lobular carcinoma starts in the lobules and spreads to nearby breast tissue. This cancer can also metastasize.

Less Common Types

There are many other kinds of breast cancers, though most are less common. Medullary breast carcinoma starts similarly to invasive ductal, but grows slowly and only rarely spreads to the lymph nodes.

Mucinous or colloid carcinoma is a variation on invasive ductal carcinoma. However, the cancer cells float in mucin, an ingredient in the body’s natural mucus.

Paget’s Disease of the nipple originates with cancer cells collecting in and around the nipple, traditionally the ducts there. From there, it can spread to the areola and further.

Inflammatory breast cancer is also a variation on invasive ductal carcinoma. It is generally accompanied by symptoms of inflammation such as swelling, dimpling, and redness.

Triple-Negative breast cancer does not have the three common receptors found in breast cancers. These receptors are for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor). Without the receptors, some methods of treatment are not available.

Ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, is considered either the earliest stage of breast cancer or pre-cancer that is likely to lead to breast cancer. Cancerous cells are forming in the ductal lining, but they have not spread.

How Breast Cancer Spreads

Breast cancer cells start in ducts, lobules, and breast tissue. However, they can spread to the lymph nodes, raising the odds of metastasis–cancer cells spreading through the lymph system and the rest of the body. The more lymph nodes that have cancer cells, the more likely metastasis is. However, metastasis is not an inevitability. Some people with cancer cells in their lymph nodes do not have metastases. And, unfortunately, metastasis can occur despite there currently being no cancer cells in the lymph nodes.

What Are Breast Cancer Symptoms?

There are several possible changes to the breast that can be noticed in regular–monthly is recommended–self-breast checks. Keep an eye out for any changes to your regular breast shape, texture, or color. Some changes that may indicate the need to visit a doctor are:

  • A lump in the breast or armpit
  • Swelling or change in size to any part of the breast.
  • Discharge of any kind that is not milk coming from the nipple (including blood)
  • Puckering of the nipple/Inversion of the nipple
  • Flaky skin or redness around the nipple or the breast
  • Dimpling of the skin (like the skin of an orange) on the breast
  • Pain in any part of the breast

Any one of the symptoms on its own does not mean you have breast cancer. They could indicate an infection or changes due to hormonal shifts. However, if the signs continue or you are concerned, bring them to the attention of your doctor.

Risk Factors

There is no one sign that someone will or won’t get breast cancer, but there are some risk factors that can raise your chances. Some of these factors are genetic factors, while others come from a person’s lifestyle.

Some of the factors that cannot be reduced are:

  • Gender–being a woman increases your risk
  • Age–risk increase with age
  • Dense breasts–they are harder to see through on a mammogram, making early detection more difficult
  • Family history–the risk is increased if a close family relative (mother, sister, daughter) has had breast cancer
  • Personal history–previous breast conditions or breast cancer increase risk
  • Certain gene mutations–BRCA1 and BRCA2, as well as other mutations, can increase risk
  • Radiation exposure–while this may come from many sources, even medical treatment, it could potentially be a risk factor.
  • Starting your period young
  • Starting menopause older

Can Risk be Reduced?

Some potential risk factors come from lifestyle practices and can be adjusted for. Some of these factors are:

  • Alcohol–drinking in excess can increase risk
  • Obesity–obesity can increase your risk, particularly after menopause
  • Taking hormones–certain forms of hormone replacement therapy (progesterone and estrogen, primarily) can increase risk when taken for over five years after menopause. Some birth control pills can also increase breast cancer risk
  • Not having children or having them at an older age can increase risk.
  • Excercise–by not exercising, breast cancer risk can increase. Maintaining a healthy exercise schedule for yourself, you can lower your risk.

Prevention

The best way to prevent breast cancer in yourself is to maintain the risk factors that you can. Beyond that, keep yourself familiar with your breasts with a monthly breast self-check. More than anything, this keeps you familiar with the size, texture, and sensation of your breast so that you might be more likely to notice a change should one appear.

Also, speak with your doctor about breast cancer screening. They know the best time to start screening and will help you to the next steps if there are any concerns. Checking in on your breasts yourself, having your doctor check, and having regular screenings will help you be prepared and catch anything early should there be any signs of breast cancer to find.

Dr. Gorman

Valerie J. Gorman, MD, FACS, works to ensure that her patients are informed and receive a personalized approach to cancer treatment and breast cancer surgery. If you have questions about breast cancer or how it is treated, she or the team at Texas Breast Center in Waxahachie are happy to help answer your questions.

Dr. Gorman is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and serves as Medical Director of Surgical Services and Chief of Surgery at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie.


New Study Associates Dairy Milk Intake With Increased Breast Cancer Risk

A recent study by the researchers at Loma Linda University Health has discovered a link between dairy milk and an increased risk of breast cancer. The study called Dairy, soy, and risk of breast cancer: those confounded milks was published to the International Journal of Epidemiology.

The study used a participation group of 52,795 North American women with a mean age of 57.1 years who were all free of breast cancer. The study then followed them for nearly eight years, taking into account their diets, demographics, family history, and other factors. A food frequency questionnaire, or FFQ, was used to estimate the women’s dietary intake. In contrast, a baseline questionnaire covered the other factors, including physical activity, hormonal and other medication use, alcohol consumption, reproductive and gynecological history, and breast cancer screening.

How much dairy milk?

At the end of the study period, the participation group yielded 1,057 new breast cancer cases. Using the FFQ, the study revealed that there is “fairly strong evidence that either dairy milk or some other factor closely related to drinking dairy milk is a cause of breast cancer in women,” according to Gary E. Fraser, MBChB, Ph.D., first author of the paper. He continued, “Consuming as little as 1/4 to 1/3 cup of dairy milk per day was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer of 30%. By drinking up to one cup per day, the associated risk went up to 50%, and for those drinking two to three cups per day, the risk increased further to 70% to 80%.”

While the particular fat content of the dairy milk–skim versus whole, etc.–had a minimal variation, when compared to minimal or no milk intake, high consumption of dairy milk and dairy calories were associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. Cheese and yogurt yielded no critical associations.

However, there was no clear association found between soy products and breast cancer. Fraser noted that “the data predicted a marked reduction in risk associated with substituting soy milk for dairy milk. This raises the possibility that dairy-alternate milks may be the optimal choice.”

One suggested reason for the link between dairy milk and breast cancer is the sex hormone content of dairy milk. Because cows are lactating when their milk is collected, approximately 75% of a dairy herd is usually pregnant. Breast cancer in women is hormone-responsive. Therefore, taking in this additional level of hormones could cause a higher blood level of it, and then insulin-like growth factor-1, which is thought to increase the risk of breast cancer, as well as other cancers.

Does Dairy Cause Cancer?

Does dairy cause cancer? There is certainly no proof of that being the case. But now there is some evidence of a link between dairy and breast cancer. “This work suggests the urgent need for further research,” Fraser said. “Dairy milk does have some positive nutritional qualities, but these need to be balanced against other possible, less helpful effects.

Risks

It is, however, worth remembering that just because an association was found does not imply causation. The numbers are just strong enough to keep researchers watching the intake of dairy, even when other factors were removed. And while Fraser stated that, “By drinking up to one cup per day, the associated risk went up to 50 percent, and for those drinking two to three cups per day, the risk increased further to 70 to 80 percent,” even that does not mean you are increasing your risk to 50% or 80% by drinking milk.

The 50% increased risk of breast cancer is a 50% increase to your current risk. If the average woman has a 1/8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer, that gives her approximately a 12% chance to increase the risk of breast cancer by 50% would only bring her risk up to a total of 18%. The 80% increased risk of drinking milk products 2-3 times a day would bring the total risk up to 21.6% risk of breast cancer. And while that certainly isn’t the happiest number to think about, it is certainly not as frightening as a jump to 80% risk would be.

Fraser and the rest of the researchers who worked on the study advise taking a look at current dietary guidelines, taking this increased risk of breast cancer with dairy intake into account.

If you have any questions about your risk, or possible next steps, Dr. Gorman and the Texas Breast Center are happy to help.


Texas Breast Center’s Covid-19 Safe Care

Dr. Gorman and the Texas Breast Center are still taking patients, but understand that there is hesitance in this time of COVID-19. To help ease fears and discomfort for patients, we have implemented certain safety measures, following Baylor Scott & White’s COVID-19 Safe Care Plan.

In-Office Policies

While some things have changed in the processes for patients and visitors to the Texas Breast Center, we are back to a full schedule. To maximize our patients’ safety, we are offering virtual care via video conferencing with your doctor for some appointments. There is also a drive-thru option for specimen collection. The waiting room is currently closed according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, so when a patient arrives, they will wait in their car until an exam room is ready. When they are informed a room is ready, they will be escorted directly to their rooms. To encourage social distancing for both the patient and physician, only one visitor will be allowed to accompany the patient back. Everyone must wear a mask, including patients, visitors, and medical team members.

There will also be a screening process upon entry checking for any temperatures above 99.6 F as well as asking about potential COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or others. If the patient answers yes to the questions or has a fever, they will be quickly moved to a separate, designated area, to prevent the spread of infection. If a visitor has a fever or answers, yes, health services will be offered. If the visitor does not need them at that time, we will request that they return home and contact their primary care doctor.

Policies and procedures are a little different when it comes to surgery rather than a general appointment or checkup at the facility.

Pre-Surgery Policies

While a surgeon’s preparatory efforts start happening well in advance of the surgery, usually a patient does not need to take any action until the day before. However, under the Safe Care guidelines, patients have a few tasks they must take care of in the week leading up to their surgery to assist in potential disease control.

Each patient is enrolled in a digital care journal five days in advance to help monitor them for fever or other symptoms of COVID-19. This online journal also offers resources to each patient who has questions. Then, 48 hours before the procedure, each patient will be tested, even if not symptomatic. Many people infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic and can spread the virus without being aware of the risk. This is why both the testing and the personal journal are essential to your treatment. The results will determine how you and your medical team members proceed from there.

If your test comes back negative, you do not have the virus. You will not be called with the results if this is the case and can proceed with your surgery as expected. However, be aware that if the test is taken within the first 1-2 days after being infected, the results may show negative. So processes are in place at the hospital to keep patients safe, including masks worn by all hospital staff. If the COVID-19 test reveals a positive result, you have an active infection. In this case, you will be called by a healthcare team member to give you information on how to care for yourself and protect those around you. We will notify the local health department of your positive test–we are required to do so–so that you do not have to worry about it. Your surgeon and team will make a case-by-case determination on whether to postpone your procedure or continue as scheduled based on specific health needs and requirements.

When surgery takes place, all patients and visitors are screened upon entry to the building. On the day of the procedure, each patient is allowed one visitor, and then one for every 24 hours they remain admitted.

Personal Health and Safety

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given us many guidelines and pointed us in a direction to follow to best care for our patients. In following these guidelines and setting up some ourselves to keep our patients safe, we have implemented new options and arrangements. As stated above, virtual care and telemedicine options are now available before and after procedures and surgeries whenever appropriate so that patients may stay home and away from hospitals.

Along these lines, Virtual Waiting Rooms have been implemented. These are patient portals used to communicate updates about care, scheduling, etc. between the hospitals, doctors’ offices, and surgery centers. These ‘waiting rooms’ can be used to set up messaging via text or phone calls as well so that there is the absolute minimum time spent in common areas.

Everyone within the buildings, including staff, patients, and visitors, must be masked and participate in social distancing to assist each other in minimizing the spread of COVID-19. We have also implemented touch-free protocols, involving paperless registration, and enhanced cleaning protocols, including UV-light disinfection.

Dr. Gorman

Dr. Gorman understands that for our breast cancer patients, the COVID-19 pandemic is only increasing the stress and anxiety in an already challenging and uncertain time. However, with the Safe Care plan, we are doing everything we can to help our patients navigate and continue on their journey to recovery.


Breast Self Exam: What to Look For

Last month was breast cancer awareness month, a time to highlight the importance of cancer screening and breast health. The Center for Disease Control has named breast cancer as the most common cancer for women in the United States. Approximately 12% (that is, 1 in every eight women) will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer over her lifetime.

These statistics shift depending on other factors like age, race, and certain genetic factors. For example, African-American women are far more likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer than women of other races, and to die of breast cancer of any kind. Asian, Native American, and Hispanic women tend to have lower risks of developing breast cancer, though they should still be aware of the signs and symptoms.

Why is Breast Cancer Screening Important?

In September of 2019, the American Cancer Society announced a new stance on breast self-exams. They stated that self-checks do not tend to reveal any early signs of cancer when women are also getting their scheduled breast cancer screening mammograms and regular checks by their health professionals. That’s not to say that people do not come to their doctors after spotting changes in their breasts. However, these changes are often noticed during dressing or bathing.

Despite this announcement, breast checks can still provide valuable insight. It is easiest to spot changes in your breast if you are familiar with it in the first place. If you are doing a regular breast self-exam, you will be ready to catch anything out of the ordinary–whether that be during your exam or while getting dressed.

How to do a Breast Self-Exam

There are two basic steps to a breast check. You’ll want to examine the breasts by looking and by feeling. Both of these steps can be further broken down from there. Try to do all parts of the exam on the same day and around the same time in your cycle every time: a week after your period ends is a standard time to do it. If you don’t get a period, set a date every month to do your breast self-exam.

Look

For the looking portion of the check, you will want to stand in front of a mirror. You will be standing in a few different poses and looking at a few different angles–front, right, and left.

In each of your poses, you will want to look at a few factors. Make a note of the shape of your breasts, especially in comparison to one another. It is far from unusual for one to be larger than the other, but sudden or drastic changes in size should not happen. Keep an eye out for a change in the usual vein patterns in your breasts. If the veins have increased or expanded significantly, you may want to speak with your doctor. Symptoms display in your nipples if they are consistently itchy, red, swollen, scaly, inverted, or are producing discharge. Finally, check the skin on your breasts for dimpling, redness, rash, puckering, or anything that could be considered like an orange peel. These could all be signs of something happening beneath the surface.

The best way to look for all of these symptoms is to examine your breasts from all angles. First, face the mirror with your arms down at your sides. Turn to the left and the right to check both sides of each breast. Next, place your hands on your hips with your elbows out to your sides, keeping your shoulders up and back. Repeat the pattern of front, left, and right. This same pose can be done hunched forward. This adjustment allows the breasts to hang so that you can see the underside.

Now, raise your arms straight above your head. You can clasp them together or leave them in a superman pose, but try to remember what you have done in previous breast exams so that you know what to expect. Once you have made a thorough observation, lean forward at the hips so that your breast hang forward again, keeping your arms above your head.

Make a note of anything you find that is different from normal and keep an eye on it. Many symptoms we attribute to breast cancer can also be symptoms of things like PMS, a swollen lymph node due to another infection, or many other factors, though, so observe first. However, if you have strong concerns, don’t hesitate to call your health professional for answers.

Feel

To start the feeling check, you will want a comfortable and flat place to lie down. You will lay flat on your back with your right arm up behind your head (if you are starting with your right breast). The goal is to get your breasts as flat as possible.

Once you are in a comfortable position, you will want to start feeling along the outer edge of your breast, near your armpit. You will want to use the pads of your fingers rather than your fingertips and move in small, smooth circles. Perform each circle at more than one pressure–light, medium, and firm–between the size of a dime and a quarter. By varying the amount of pressure, you can check more of the breast tissue. Move in a slow, up and down pattern across until you have covered the entire breast. Another option is to start at the nipple and perform your press checks in a spiral outwards. So long as you have a pattern to ensure you cover the entire breast and become familiar with it, this should be sufficient. Try to follow the same pattern every time you do your breast self-exam.

Once you have finished your exam lying down, it is best to give your breasts an exam while standing or sitting up as well. You will use the same pattern you have established for yourself, using firm, medium, and light pressure and the pads of your fingers to feel for anything unusual in the breast tissue you might have missed while lying down.

When is a Breast Lump Cancer?

It’s not entirely uncommon to find some kind of lump or bump when doing your breast self-exam. Hormones, infections, and other causes can cause temporary lumps that you may detect during your monthly checks. There are common attributes that a cancerous lump will have, though none are a guarantee. If you are concerned about anything you find, have your doctor examine it as well.

Your fingers can detect the most common criteria for a cancerous lump during your breast self-exam. The lump will be a firm, painless mass. The edges are sometimes irregular. If you have a lump that is getting larger over time, that may also be a cause for concern.

Of course, each case is unique. Some cancerous lumps may be painful or soft, and some may feel perfectly round. They can be more challenging to detect in people with more dense breast tissue or scar tissue on their breast–for example, those who have had previous breast surgery. These denser tissues can also make it somewhat more difficult for mammograms to detect cancer. People with dense breast tissue or scar tissue should be particularly familiar with their breasts so that they can detect changes early.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

While there is no one singular cause of breast cancer, there are several risk factors that could increase the likelihood of a diagnosis. Some are environmental factors that may be controlled, while others are physical characteristics or part of your history.

Gender, race, age, and genetics are all potential risk factors. Women are more likely to develop breast cancer, and this risk increases once they reach the age of 55. Some genes, like the BRCA1 and the BRCA2 genes, can be passed through generations and are considered a potential cause. If a first-degree relative (a daughter, sister, or mother) has or had breast cancer, your risk doubles. Because of the importance of hormones as a risk factor, your menstrual history may also be a factor. Those who started their period early–before the age of twelve–may have an increased risk.

Some risk factors are situational or environmental. Tobacco and alcohol use can increase your risk, especially in younger patients, as can being overweight or obese. Some previous benign or noncancerous breast conditions may influence your risk later on. Hormone use, such as hormone replacement therapy, both current and in the past, can increase your risk. One risk factor that is easier to lower is living a sedentary. Exercising regularly will decrease your risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast Self-Exam Results

The primary purpose of a breast self-exam is to help you to familiarize yourself with your breasts. If you know what the skin, muscle, and tissue feel like on a typical day, then you will be better prepared to notice anything abnormal should something come up.

These tests are not a reason to avoid getting a mammogram or having a physician examine you, especially if you are among those with risk factors. If you do come across something in one of your breast self-exams that has you concerned, bring it up with your doctor, or with Dr. Gorman at the Texas Breast Center. As a surgeon specializing in surgical oncology and surgical diseases in the breast, she can help you understand whether your lump, change in skin texture, or any change is a cause for concern. And, if it is, she and her team will help you set up a treatment plan.

Valerie J. Gorman, MD, FACS, is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and serves as Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Services at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie. Her goal is to ensure that all of her patients have an informed, personalized approach to breast surgery and cancer treatment.


An Overview of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma?

If you have received a cancer diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, you may not understand what that means. You may, like any of us would be, be scared. As one of the most common types of breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma–IDC–accounts for about 80% of all breast cancers. Also called infiltrating ductal carcinoma, cancer infiltrates and invades the breast tissue after bursting free of the milk ducts. A carcinoma is a cancer that begins in organ-lining tissue or skin. Therefore, the name–invasive ductal carcinoma–is no more than a definition of the thing it names.

What Causes Invasive Ductal Carcinoma?

Cancer can form anywhere when cells in a given area start to multiply after a change of shape or makeup. They multiply rapidly and don’t die when they should. In this case, the cells are increasing inside the milk ducts. There are several risk factors that could contribute to these changes in the cells (though sometimes the changes happen in people who do not have these risk factors and others have the risk factors and never get IDC). Some of the factors are being female, smoking, alcohol intake, previous radiation therapy, poor nutrition, family history of breast cancers, or potentially having mutations to some genes. The most commonly known breast cancer genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene, which have been linked to IDC in some cases.

Is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Dangerous?

In the early stages, IDC can be difficult to notice, as it causes few symptoms, which can make it dangerous. However, if you are doing regular self-breast checks and screening mammograms, it is likely to be caught sooner rather than later. Some signs of breast cancer to keep an eye out for during your breast checks are breast pain, nipple pain, inverted nipple, swelling of the breast (all or just a part), dimpling, irritation, redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple/breast skin or breast tissue, a lump in the underarm, or discharge from the nipple that is not milk.

What are the stages of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma?

Like many cancers, invasive ductal carcinoma is broken down into five stages, and each stage is measured in terms of the size of the tumor, how the lymph nodes are affected, and metastasis–where the cancer has moved throughout the body. All of these points are considered and taken into account, along with genetics, surgical results, and other considerations to assist in giving the patient their prognosis. The first stage is called stage 0, or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), then Stage I is at when the cancer is starting to leave the milk ducts, and stage IV is when the cancer has spread outside the breast or auxiliary lymph nodes. For IDC specifically, this means:

Stage 0 — The disease is primarily in the ducts, though it may have spread to the lobules of the breast but no further. It is considered noninvasive at this point.

In the early part of Stage I (Stage IA), the tumor is small but has become invasive, though it still has not reached the lymph nodes. The cancerous area is between .2 mm and 20 mm.

Stage II can vary from person to person. Early Stage II  (Stage IIA) can either have no tumor, but the cancer has spread to up to three lymph nodes under the arm, a 20 mm or small tumor AND have spread to the lymph nodes or have a tumor that is between 20-50 mm without any spread to the lymph nodes. Later Stage II (Stage IIB), either has a tumor between 20-50 mm and has spread to the under-the-arm lymph nodes, or it must be over 50 mm without spreading to the nodes.

Fittingly, there are three phases to Stage III. In the first (Stage IIIA), the cancer (any size) has spread to 4-9 lymph nodes–under the arm or mammary. However, it has not spread anywhere else. If this is not the case, it could be a cancerous area of over 50 mm that has spread to 1-3 axillary lymph nodes. For the second phase of Stage III (Stage IIIB), the cancer may have been diagnosed as Inflammatory Breast Cancer due to its spread to the chest wall, swelling, and ulceration of the breast. Sometimes it will have spread to 9 or more lymph nodes–again, mammary or axillary–but most likely nowhere else. In Stage IIIC, any tumor will have spread to 10 or more lymph nodes. These could be mammary lymph nodes, axillary lymph nodes, or the lymph nodes under the collarbone. However, the cancer still has not spread throughout the body.

Stage IV is also known as Metastatic cancer. Metastasis is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as distant lymph nodes, bones, other organs, or the chest wall. The tumor can be any size. Cancer is first diagnosed as metastatic about 5-6% of the time and is most commonly found after previous diagnoses of early breast cancer.

Survival Rate of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

As of 2017, the survival rates for people treated for breast cancers have been increasingly favorable. For those in stages zero and one, the survival rate–measured as the five-year survival rate–is nearly one hundred percent. For those with stage two breast cancer, the survival rate is 93 percent, an increase from the 86 percent survival rate of 2014. For stage three, the five-year survival rate is 72 percent, a dramatic increase from 2014’s 57 percent. Finally, stage four is currently holding at a 22 percent survival rate, a jump from 2014’s 20 percent.

Is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Curable?

Just as every patient’s experience with cancer is unique, so is their treatment. There may be a form of drug therapy, such as chemotherapy, a hormone therapy, HER2 targeted drug, or some combination. There could be surgery such as a breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomies, partial mastectomies) or a mastectomy, which can involve breast reconstruction. The patient may need radiation therapy to prevent a recurrence of the cancer. Your treatment route is determined by many factors. Family history can come into play, as can the size of the cancer, the type of tumor, maybe genetics, and how far this invasive breast cancer has spread. However, just as important is you and where you stand in all the chaos. Make sure you understand what your treatments are. Ask your doctors questions. They are there to assist you through your process and make sure you are receiving the right treatment.

Dr. Valerie Gorman

Dr. Gorman and everyone with her at the Texas Breast Center are there to help you with your questions about invasive ductal carcinoma and its treatment. She will walk with you through the whole process, and she knows how important it is for you to be informed. She and her team will cater your treatment to your needs and walk with you on your journey through this process.


Mastitis and Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Things You Should Know

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis (commonly known as ‘Lactation or Puerperal Mastitis,’ terms related to post childbirth) is an infection that occurs in the breast tissue. This condition is often caused by tears around the nipple, obstructed milk ducts, or improperly drained milk; this is a common occurrence with breastfeeding mothers and new mothers who have had a baby within the last 6 to 12 months, but can also occur at other times in life. When cases of bacteria appear within the breast due to a tear or obstruction, the body combats the infection with white blood cells. This results in symptoms include swelling, pain, redness, a fever accompanied with chills, and warmth of skin in (typically) one breast. Rest assured, Lactating Mastitis is unrelated to breast cancer and will not increase your risk for breast cancer.

In the case of rare conditions such as Non-Lactational Mastitis, which is a occurs in women with diabetes, women with depressed immune systems, and women who have lumpectomies following radiation therapy. New symptoms similar to Lactation Mastitis and women experiencing Non-Lactational Mastitis should consult their medical professional to discuss their overall health and how to support their breast health better.

Are the symptoms of Mastitis and breast cancer similar?

Yes, in the case of Inflammatory Breast Cancer, often the symptoms present in a similar way as does Mastitis. It is crucial to see your doctor to examine the area to positively identify cases of Mastitis. If you are experiencing symptoms such as itching, a rash, an inward nipple, swelling, rapid increase in breast size, nipple discharge, discoloration of a breast that starts off pink progressively turns purple, and ridged, thick skin (comparable to an orange peel), you may have Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). Due to the common symptoms caused by Mastitis and Inflammatory Breast Cancer, it is crucial to pay attention to the affected area and consult a medical professional. Inflammatory Breast Cancer does not show symptoms like the standard breast cancer disease because Inflammatory Breast Cancer does not cause a breast lump and may not show up in a mammogram, making it more difficult to diagnose the disease. Infection or injury to breasts do not cause breast cancer because breast cancer is caused by cancer cells blocking lymph vessels within the body. Although less common than non-inflammatory breast cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer is aggressive and needs immediate treatment. Generally, within 1-3 months symptoms appear and rapidly spread to nearby lymph nodes. Inflammatory Breast Cancer is often treatable. Patients who seek earlier treatment have higher success rates after Inflammatory Breast Cancer is diagnosed.

What Should I Do If I Have Mastitis?

If you have conditions of Mastitis, it is best to see your medical professional to begin early diagnosis and treatment. Anticipate tests such as a mammogram or biopsy of breast tissue to determine Mastitis or breast cancer. If tests results show Mastitis, antibiotics are administered to eliminate the infection from the breast tissue, and women usually feel relief in 48 to 72 hours. If there are complications, such as a breast abscess, expect to have the fluid drained from the breast either through surgery or a needle aspiration. Despite the ease of clearing Mastitis through prescribed antibiotics, ignoring symptoms can be serious as infection could affect the bloodstream.

Although it might be uncomfortable, it is okay to continue nursing while experiencing Mastitis. Mastitis will not affect the health of the baby or milk produced from breasts. To prevent Mastitis while breastfeeding, try to receive proper amounts of sleep and eating balanced meals to maintain a healthy body to fight infections. Make sure to breastfeed often as well emptying the breast of milk after nursing by using a breast pump, or by massaging breasts to remove any excess milk to keep the milk ducts open and free from obstructions. Note to also alternate breasts in which the baby latches onto for feeding, and support the baby to latch onto the nipple properly. Mastitis can occur when the mother suddenly stops breastfeeding the baby, as her breasts continue to produce milk causing the milk in the breasts to become stagnant and a hub for bacteria. Try weaning the baby off of breastfeeding over a period of time instead of suddenly stopping. This allows for the breasts to slow milk production. Another method of prevention is to take care of the nipple skin to avoid irritation or cracking by using a 100% pure lanolin ointment. This is safe for breastfeeding and is hypoallergenic.

What Should I Do If I Have Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Dr. Gorman will review your diagnosis carefully and recommend treatment options. Often, treatment begins with chemotherapy. Breast surgery may then be needed to remove the breast (mastectomy), or part of the breast (lumpectomy) and to possibly remove lymph nodes that have been affected by Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Surgery can also support cosmetic enhancements to the breasts when the cancer is removed.

Dr. Gorman will then discuss whether radiation is needed, clearly communicating its risks and added benefits.

If you are concerned that you may have cancer and not mastitis, do not hesitate to contact us. We want you to be proactive in seeking answers. Valerie Gorman, MD is a breast surgeon who specializes in personalized treatments for breast cancer. Should you have breast cancer, you are in good hands at Texas Breast Center. Dr. Gorman will walk alongside the patient, from the first mammograms, through surgery and any additional treatments, to follow visits in the future, all for your peace of mind. Her efforts to ensure you have a caring medical professional at every stage of cancer treatment allows for patients and families feel assured that she genuinely cares about their recovery. Dr. Gorman always attempts to accelerate the process with her hands-on approach and clear communication, so there is not the anxious waiting that patients often experience at other breast cancer centers.


How Can I Improve My Self-Image After Breast Cancer?

body image after breast cancer pinkBody image issues are real concerns for women cancer patients that can impact self-esteem and mental health. You may view your body and yourself differently after breast cancer. Give yourself time to adjust. It takes time to adapt, so remember to treat yourself with compassion and kindness. Talking with others who have been in similar situations either in one on one conversations or support groups may help. This can be instrumental in providing understanding and hope. Keep your network of family and friends close and let them give you comfort. It’s okay to ask for and accept help.

If you struggled with your body image before the cancer diagnosis, then you may have an even harder time coping with changes in your appearance after. The reaction of people close to you and others can affect the way a person adjusts to the changes, as well. Counseling can be helpful if body image is a significant issue for you, particularly if it negatively impacts your return to work and/or other normal activities before cancer.

Along with the emotional stress that cancer and its treatment can cause, it may also change how you look. Many women with breast cancer feel self-conscious about changes to their bodies. Some physical changes may only last a short time while others are permanent.

Possible Changes in Physical Appearance Due to Breast Cancer Include:

  • Scars from surgery (Scarring After Breast Cancer Surgery);
  • Hair loss as a result of chemotherapy or radiation therapy;
  • Surgical modification of body parts;
  • Weight gain/loss;
  • Skin changes such as redness, itching, more sensitivity, or pain in the area that was treated;
  • Loss of muscle mass or muscle weakness;
  • Lymphedema; and
  • Changes in sexual functioning.

Hair Loss and Breast Cancer

One of the possible changes listed above is hair loss from radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatments. Hair loss can be especially stressful. Ask Dr. Gorman about possible ways to retain your hair with the use of cooling caps or scalp cooling systems. If hair loss is going to happen, it most often starts within two weeks of treatment and gets worse one to two months after starting therapy. Your scalp may feel very sensitive to washing, combing, or brushing. It’s important to note that hair often begins to grow back even before treatment ends.

You’ve got choices even if you do lose all of your hair. There are many cover-ups to choose from, or you can go bald. However, many women want to find some way to conceal their bald head and keep warm. Then it’s a matter of what you’re most comfortable with whether it’s a wig, a scarf, or a hat. Be creative.

Lymphedema As Result of Cancer Treatment

Another physical change that you may not be familiar with is lymphedema, and it refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs and sometimes both. It’s most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as part of your cancer treatment. This happens because there is a blockage in your lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. This blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining, and the fluid buildup leads to swelling.

Lymphedema Signs and Symptoms:

  • Swelling occurring in part or all of your arm or leg, including fingers and toes;
  • A feeling of heaviness or tightness;
  • Restricted range of motion;
  • Aching or discomfort;
  • Recurring infections; and
  • Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis).

While there is presently no cure for lymphedema, it can be managed with early diagnosis and diligent care of your affected limb.

Changes in Your Sex Life Due to Breast Cancer

Talking about your sex life and relationships can be extremely uncomfortable especially after dealing with changes from your illness. You’re not sure exactly what’s wrong or how to treat it, but you know things are different. Many women report having less sex after their illness and here are a few reasons why:

  • A common issue that many women bring up is not feeling “sexy” anymore. This is so understandable because breast cancer is such a physically and emotionally taxing experience that changes so many aspects of a woman’s life.
  • Having breast cancer slows down your body and can result in taking longer to do lots of things, including getting interested in and starting and finishing sexual intercourse.
  • For the woman that has been thrown into sudden-onset menopause, sex can be not just uncomfortable, but even painful. So, not surprising that you may have less sex, for now. Many women report having had little or no sex from the time of diagnosis through treatment.

How breast cancer affects your sexuality is different for every woman. You may find the support you need from your healthcare team, partner, family, friends or other survivors. A support group or close friend may be the key to you reconnecting with your own sexuality. Many online groups host discussion boards where you can “talk” about concerns with someone who has been there.

Finding Help and Support During and After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Learning to be comfortable with your body and self-image during and after breast cancer treatment is different for every woman. The right information and support can help you manage these changes over time. It’s essential for you to know that regardless of your experience with breast cancer, there is advice and support to help you cope. Talking with Dr. Gorman and your healthcare team at Texas Breast Center is a great place to start.

Resources:

If you’re interested in visiting a Breast Cancer Support Group, contact Texas Breast Center for more information.


What To Say To Someone With Breast Cancer

what to say to someone with breast cancerWhen someone gets diagnosed with breast cancer, the world can seem a very lonely place; there is no right or wrong way to react, everyone is an individual and will cope with challenges differently. An issue that many patients have talked about is the reactions of their friends and family, once they do summon up the courage to break the news.

Very few partners, family members or friends are likely to be trained counselors, and even if they were, it is much more difficult saying the right thing to someone who means the world to you personally. Most people it seems, feel obligated to say something, and it is a fair assumption, that a pregnant pause or an extended period of silence is not what your friend or relative is looking for, but the question is what is the right thing to say in this situation? After all none of us are trained in these matters, and we all want to help, so let’s examine some potential ideas so that if you ever find yourself in this situation, you won’t be left speechless.

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What Is Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer?

what is invasive lobular breast cancerBreast Cancer consists of many different types, so if you have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, then it is important that you understand which specific kind of Breast Cancer you have. The treatment, prognosis, and outlook vary depending on the different type.

Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer takes its name from the origin of this type of breast cancer. It begins and develops within the milk-producing glands of the breast. These are known as the lobules, which is where the name of this particular cancer originates. The Invasive part of the name differentiates between cancer and pre-cancer.

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Birth Control and Breast Cancer: What’s the Connection?

contraception and breast cancerLate in 2017, the media picked up on a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that linked hormonal contraceptives, like the pill and some intrauterine devices (IUDs), with a higher risk of breast cancer.

After hearing this news, you might be concerned about whether your family planning choices might increase your cancer risk. Here’s what I explain to my patients.

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