Did you know that an estimated 207,090 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone, according to the American Cancer Society? With October being the month for awareness, we thought we’d check-in with a few of the cancer and women’s health doctors about pressing questions that they’ve received on JustAnswer: Dr. David Cho, a radiation oncologist; Dr. Mary Claire Haver, an OB/GYN; and psychologist Dr. Sybil Keane. They, along with other doctors and Experts, have helped patients and families face this terrifying disease by being a secondary resource at any time day or night.
Q: Does removing the entire breast give me a better chance at surviving than having a lumpectomy with radiation therapy?
A: In 1985, a randomized trial showed that women who had mastectomies lived just as long as women who had lumpectomies. This study has been repeated and proven again and again. So today, for many breast cancers patients, women have the choice of a mastectomy or lumpectomy plus radiation without having to sacrifice their chances of living.
Q: I’ve heard of the “Oncotype” test. Do I need to have it?
A: For certain women with intermediate breast cancers where it’s unsure if they will benefit from additional chemotherapy, there is a breast cancer genetic test called Oncotype which profiles the cancer’s genes and predicts cancer spread. If Oncotype results show low recurrence, then chemotherapy is not recommended.
Q: Will I be able to maintain a normal sex life?
A: Absolutely. Though treated breasts may be tender from radiation, this is a temporary change and the breast returns close to normal after treatments. If sex is desired, it is encouraged. Targeted radiation in breast cancer will not affect the pelvic organs, so not only can women have a normal sex life, but if treatments are successful, women can still have children.
Q: How do I break the news to my children?
A: Typically, the best way is to keep it simple and honest. Tell them you will answer any questions to the best of your knowledge. “I just found out I have breast cancer and here is the plan.” Keep it simple and use words like “treatment” or “medicine” versus “chemotherapy.” You can add more information as you go through each process.
If you’d like to ask a doctor a question about breast cancer or any other topic, please go to www.justanswer.com/medical.
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