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About Breast CancerThe Hoffberger Breast Center offers a team of specialists who will answer all of your questions and personally guide you through treatment options and into survivorship. Below is some background on breast cancer: Risk Factors
Risk FactorsThe most important risk factors for breast cancer are increasing age and a strong family history of breast cancer. Lifestyle choices can influence a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Factors that can increase the risk are obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, alcohol abuse and use of some hormonal therapies. It is very important that every woman understands her risk so that informed decisions can be made. Women with an increased risk for breast cancer need to be followed closely with frequent breast exams and mammograms. Options for additional imaging with MRI should be discussed with a physician. There are also medications that reduce the risk for developing breast cancer – Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (Evista™). Some women may be candidates for genetic testing. Women at the greatest risk may be candidates for a bilateral preventive mastectomy. To learn more about breast cancer risk factors: Lobular Carcinoma in situ (LCIS) For additional information:
PreventionEvery woman has a baseline risk for developing breast cancer. This is different for every individual, and is dependent on a number of factors, many of which a person has no control over, such as genetic predisposition. However, there are measures that an individual can take that will minimize their risk within the framework of their background predisposition. The most effective ways to prevent breast cancer are simple changes that anyone can make. Making positive lifestyle choices by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and avoiding behaviors known to cause cancer (smoking, more than moderate alcohol consumption) are recommended to decrease one’s risk. Performing monthly self breast exams, getting yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40, and seeing your doctor on a regular basis for clinical breast exams are all recommended by the physicians of The Hoffberger Breast Center. For women who are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer there are medications that reduce the risk for developing breast cancer – Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (Evista™). Women at the greatest risk may be candidates for a bilateral preventive mastectomy. Tamoxifen and Raloxifene to Prevent Breast Cancer Tamoxifen may be used for both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Raloxifene is approved only for use among postmenopausal women for breast cancer risk reduction. Raloxifene’s safety profile is better than Tamoxifen, especially if women still have their uterus, since the increased risk of uterine cancer seen with Tamoxifen is not reported with Raloxifene. Women should have their risk of breast cancer assessed and then discuss with their health care provider to decide if taking Tamoxifen or Raloxifene is appropriate for them. To learn more about the prevention of breast cancer:
GeneticsFamily history can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. About 30 percent of women may have a family history of breast cancer, but only about 10 percent of women have a strong inherited risk for breast cancer. Genetic testing can be done to determine your individual risk. The Cancer Prevention and Genetic Counseling Service provided through The Prevention and Research Center at Mercy offers a complete evaluation of family history and other factors that may increase the risk of developing breast, ovarian and other cancers. Several genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been found to have mutations that can significantly increase the risk of developing breast, ovarian and other cancers. Genetic testing or counseling for breast and related cancers may be indicated if:
For women who have an inherited susceptibility to breast cancer such as carrying a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2, The Prevention and Research Center holds a monthly support group. To learn more about hereditary causes of cancer: To find out if genetic testing is right for you:
Tumor PathologyImportant terms to understand about the pathology report: Non-invasive tumor Invasive tumor Tumor grade Hormone Receptor Status (ER and PR) If the tumor is ER or PR positive, the patient is a candidate to receive hormonal agents that block the action of estrogen. The most frequently used hormonal agents are Tamoxifen and Aromatase inhibitors. However, these agents have no role if the tumor is ER and PR negative. HER2/neu An excellent overview of the details of what you see in a pathology report: Oncotype Dx For more information: Stage of the tumor The stage defines the extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from breast to other parts of the body. For additional information:
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