Texas Breast Center Article on Risk of Breast Cancer in Transgender People

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Dr. Valerie Gorman at the Texas Breast Center has released a new article about the potential risk of breast cancer for transgender men, women, and non-binary people. In Pride Month, it has been noted that there are few studies and little research being done on the topic of how transitioning–the process of changing one’s physical gender characteristics to those of the gender one identifies with–can affect breast cancer risk.

Breast Cancer In Transgender People

While many trans and non-binary people choose not to transition, those that do should be made aware of what this process will mean for them beyond just the potential surgeries or hormonal treatment plan. For AFAB (assigned female at birth) trans men or non-binary people, this process can include top surgery as well as testosterone treatments. Both of these steps help to minimize risk of breast cancer, though they will not eliminate risk completely. AMAB (assigned male at birth) trans women and non-binary people will often receive estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy. These two hormones are known to increase the risk of breast cancer in cisgender (those who are not transgender) women when they produce it naturally or are treated with it during menopause.

Dr. Gorman concluded that “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.” So, while a trans woman may have grown up without knowing to do regular self-breast checks, after beginning to transition, she will now need to take extra care to do so, even if her risk may not be as high as a cisgender woman’s risk. And a trans man’s risk may drop during and after transition, but that does not mean he should completely dismiss self-breast checks.

Dr. Gorman and the team at Texas Breast Center hope to help keep everyone informed about their potential risk of breast cancer, as well as how to minimize said risk. Her goal is to give every patient a unique and personalized treatment plan.

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Texas Breast Center Shares New Possible Link Between Dairy Milk & Breast Cancer

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Dr. Gorman at Texas Breast Center shared the results of a recent study by the researchers at Loma Linda University Health in an article, New study associates diary milk intake with increased breast cancer risk. A link may have been found between dairy milk intake and breast cancer. While she was not involved in the study, Dr. Gorman takes pride in keeping her patients and everyone who needs it informed. She keeps an eye on new research and upcoming news to spread and inform.

The connection between dairy milk and breast cancer may come from “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” which increases the risk of breast and other cancers.

In her article, Dr. Gorman discusses the risk increase amount depending on the amount of dairy milk consumed and what that actually means for a person. She also talks about the difference between dairy and non-dairy (soy, almond, etc.) milks and how that effects the risks–specifically, that non-dairy milks do not seem to have the same risk that dairy milks do.

The Texas Breast Center in Waxahachie and Dr. Gorman are happy to answer any questions in regards to your risk as well as help you through your next steps with breast cancer.

Texas Breast Center Released Article on Mastectomy FAQs

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Valerie Gorman, MD, FACS released an article, “FAQs About Mastectomy” answering frequently asked questions about mastectomies. The purpose of this article is to help clear confusion on topics such as types of mastectomy, recovery after mastectomy, risks of mastectomy, and more to help patients with breast cancer.


Dr. Gorman and her team take a patient-centered approach, always taking care to answer their patients’ questions. Here she takes the chance to answer questions for more than just her own patients.

 

When asked about breast reconstruction, her article answers:

 

Not everyone has breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. For example, those having lumpectomies do not necessarily need one, because a majority of the breast tissue is left alone in the breast. With a mastectomy, reconstruction is more likely as all the tissue was removed. However, it really is up to the patient. Talk to your surgeon about your preferences so that they can be informed when discussing your options with you.

 

Dr. Gorman always encourages discussion and questions between doctor and patient to ensure full understanding on both sides. Another question she covers in her article is, “What do I ask my surgeon?” Rather than providing information, she provides a few questions to considers and encourages patients to come up with questions for themselves.

 

All patients should know what they are getting into, especially with breast cancer surgery, and “there really are no stupid questions. None. This is your surgery, you deserve to know about it […] Ask away”. If you have questions about mastectomies, Dr. Gorman may have answered them. But never be afraid to ask again.

 

Dr. Valerie J. Gorman serves at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Waxahachie as Chief of Surgery and Medical Directory of Surgical Services. She specializes in surgical oncology, specifically of the breast, and other surgical diseases. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery.

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Texas Breast Center Releases Article on The Financial Cost of Breast Cancer

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Texas Breast Center in Waxahachie released an article discussing the cost of breast cancer treatment to patients. In the article, “The Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment: What are the Contributing Factors?” Dr. Valerie Gorman discusses various components that can affect the overall financial burden breast cancer can be.

One of these factors is the kind of treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination. Another factor is the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. For example, “for those with stage 0 cancer, the average cost of treatment at twelve months after diagnosis was $60, 637…[while] at stage IV, the most difficult to treat, the average treatment costs were $134,682 at twelve months.”

Breast Cancer Financial Costs

Health insurance is another factor discussed. Having health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid can affect the cost of medications, treatments, and even appointments.

Researchers in North Carolina found that patients who received a cancer diagnosis and did not have insurance or Medicare paid $6,711 for medication, while those with insurance paid $3,616 and those with Medicare paid $3,090 simply because they do not have the means to negotiate for a lower price.

All of these factors come together to cause an average cost of $85,772 per patient within their first year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The number jumps to $103,735 after the second year. While breast cancer is not something anyone wants, it is something to be prepared for, at least financially, if possible. And your medical team is willing to work with you to meet your needs.

Dr. Valerie J. Gorman, MD, FACS, offers a personalized approach to breast cancer treatment, taking into account all the factors that will affect the cost and your ultimate recovery. She serves as the Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Services at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, and she is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

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Texas Breast Center’s Article on Seroma & Fluid Collection After Breast Cancer

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Valerie Gorman, MD, FACS has just released an article on seromas, a potential side effect of breast cancer surgery. Dr. Gorman published the article to inform patients about the possible risks and lack thereof that accompany seroma.

Seroma, a collection of fluid where removed tissues once were, is a common side effect and can be harmless. In most cases, a seroma will take care of itself, as the body will reabsorb the fluids.

Seroma Breast Cancer Surgery Texas Side Effects

Doctor Gorman discusses treatment for the more stubborn seromas, which can require:

insert[ing] a needle into the seroma and then drain[ing] the excess fluid out of it. In some cases, this procedure may need to be repeated on more than two or three occasions. If the fluid continues to return even after numerous drainings, then some doctors may decide that a minor operation to remove the seroma entirely might be the best option, or to place a drain temporarily.

Some potential risk factors for seromas are age, breast size, previous biopsy surgery, use of certain medications, and history of seromas, though Dr. Gorman states that none of these factors ensure a seroma.

Dr. Valerie J. Gorman is a breast surgeon who specializes in surgical oncology and other surgical diseases–specifically of the breast–and is certified by the American Board of Surgery. She serves at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waxahachie as Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Services.

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