Page updated: 1-18-2007
|
Page updated: 1-18-2007 |
|
Breast Cancer AwarenessAlternative/Complimentry Breast Cancer Treatments Breast Health by a Woman Doctor Breast Cancer Resource Directory
The Science Behind the Herbs, Vitamins and Drug Interactions?Health Notes is the leading provider of science-based information on healthy living. Gathered from scientific studies published in over 550 peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals. Visit
Health Notes for drug
interactions Breast Cancer Resources
Breast Cancer Pictures
Breast Cancer Symptoms
|
Breast Cancer Symptoms - What You Need to KnowBy the National Cancer Institute Use your browser's "back" button to navigate the breast cancer menu below.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in this country (other than skin cancer). The number of new cases of breast cancer in women was estimated to be about 212,600 in 2003. The BreastsThe breasts are glands that can make milk. Each breast sits on chest muscles that cover the ribs. Each breast is divided into 15 to 20 sections called lobes. Lobes contain many smaller lobules. Lobules contain groups of tiny glands that can produce milk. Milk flows from the lobules through thin tubes called ducts to the nipple. The nipple is in the center of a dark area of skin called the areola. Fat fills the spaces between the lobules and ducts. The breasts also contain lymph vessels, which carry a clear fluid called lymph. The lymph vessels lead to small, round organs called lymph nodes. Groups of lymph nodes are found near the breast in the axilla (underarm), above the collarbone, in the chest behind the breastbone, and in many other parts of the body. The lymph nodes trap bacteria, cancer cells, or other harmful substances that may be in the lymphatic system. [Top] Understanding Breast CancerCancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up tissues. Tissues make up the organs of the body. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. Not all tumors are cancer. Tumors can be benign or malignant:
When breast cancer cells enter the lymphatic system, they may be found in lymph nodes near the breast. The cancer cells also may travel to other organs through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. When cancer spreads (metastasizes), the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the bone, the cancer cells in the bone are breast cancer cells. The disease is metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer. It is treated as breast cancer, not as bone cancer. Doctors sometimes call the new tumor "distant" or metastatic disease. [Top]Breast Cancer - Who's at Risk?No one knows the exact causes of breast cancer. Doctors can seldom explain why one woman gets breast cancer and another does not.Doctors do know that bumping, bruising, or touching the breast does not cause breast cancer. And breast cancer is not contagious. No one can "catch" this disease from another person. However, research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease. Studies have found the following risk factors for breast cancer:
Other possible risk factors are under study. Many risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history, cannot be avoided. It is helpful to be aware of risk factors. But it is also important to keep in mind that most women who have these risk factors do not get breast cancer. Also, most women who develop breast cancer have no history of the disease in their family. In fact, except for growing older, most women with breast cancer have no strong risk factors. Still, a woman who thinks she may be at risk of breast cancer should discuss this concern with her health care provider. The health care provider may suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups. The NCI's Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool is at http://bcra.nci.nih.gov/brc/ on the Internet. This tool allows a health care provider to estimate a woman's risk of developing invasive cancer of the breast. [Top]Breast Cancer ScreeningA woman should talk with her health care provider about her personal risk of getting breast cancer. She should ask questions about when to start and how often to be checked for the disease. These decisions, like many other medical decisions, should fit each woman's needs. Screening for cancer before there are symptoms can be important. It can help doctors find and treat cancer early. Treatment is more likely to be effective when cancer is found early. The health care provider may suggest screening tests to check for breast cancer before any symptoms develop:
Screening MammogramTo find breast cancer early, the NCI recommends that:
Screening mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can be felt. They also can show a cluster of very tiny specks of calcium. These specks are called microcalcifications. Lumps or specks can be signs of cancer. If the doctor sees an abnormal area on the mammogram, the woman may need more pictures taken. Also, the woman may need to have a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to tell for sure if cancer is present. Mammograms are the best tool doctors have to find breast cancer early. However, it is good for a woman to keep in mind that:
Mammograms (as well as dental x-rays, and other routine x-rays) use very small doses of radiation. Although the benefits nearly always outweigh the risks, repeated exposure to x-rays could be harmful. It is a good idea for a woman to talk with her health care providers about the need for each x-ray and to ask about the use of shields during the x-ray to protect other parts of the body. Clinical Breast ExamDuring a clinical breast exam, the health care provider feels the breasts while the woman is standing or sitting up and lying down. The woman may be asked to raise her arms over her head, let them hang by her sides, or press her hands against her hips. The health care provider looks for differences between the breasts, including unusual differences in size or shape. The skin of each breast is checked for a rash, dimpling, or other abnormal signs. The nipples may be squeezed to see if fluid is present. Using the pads of the fingers to feel for lumps, the health care provider checks the entire breast, the underarm, and the collarbone area, first on one side, then on the other. A lump is generally the size of a pea before anyone can feel it. The lymph nodes near the breast may be checked to see if they are swollen. A thorough clinical breast exam may take 10 minutes. Breast Cancer Self-ExamSome women perform monthly breast self-exams to check for any changes in their breasts. When a woman does this exam, it is important for her to remember that each woman's breasts are different, and that changes can occur because of aging, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills or other hormones. It is normal for the breasts to feel a little lumpy and uneven. Also, it is common for a woman's breasts to be swollen and tender right before or during her menstrual period. Women who notice anything unusual during a breast self-exam or at any other time should contact their health care provider. Also, it is important to remember that breast self-exams cannot replace regular screening mammograms and clinical breast exams. Although breast self-exams lead to more breast biopsies, studies so far have not shown that breast self-exams reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer. [Top]Breast Cancer SymptomsBreast cancer can cause changes that women should watch for these symptoms:
Although early breast cancer usually does not cause pain, a woman should see her health care provider about breast pain or any other symptom that does not go away. Most often, these symptoms are not cancer, but it is important to check with the health care provider so that any problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. [Top]DiagnosisIf a woman has a breast change, her doctor must determine whether it is due to breast cancer or some other cause. The woman has a physical exam. The doctor asks about her personal and family medical history. She may have a mammogram or other imaging procedure that makes pictures of tissues inside the breast. After the tests, the doctor may decide that no further tests are needed and no treatment is necessary. Or the woman may need a biopsy to examine the suspicious area for cancer cells. Clinical Breast ExamThe health care provider feels each breast for lumps and looks for other problems. If a woman has a breast lump, the health care provider can tell a lot about it by feeling it and the tissue around it. Benign lumps often feel different from cancerous ones. The health care provider can check the size, shape, and texture of the lump and feel whether it moves easily. Lumps that are soft, smooth, round, and movable are likely to be benign. A hard, oddly shaped lump that feels firmly attached within the breast is more likely to be cancer. Diagnostic MammographyDiagnostic mammograms involve x-ray pictures of the breast to get clearer, more detailed pictures of any area that looks abnormal on a screening mammogram. They also are used to help the doctor learn more about unusual breast changes, such as a lump, pain, thickening, nipple discharge, or change in breast size or shape. Diagnostic mammograms may focus on a specific area of the breast. They may involve special techniques and more views than screening mammograms. UltrasonographyUsing high-frequency sound waves, ultrasonography (ultrasound) can often show whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst (not cancer) or a solid mass (which may or may not be cancer). The doctor can view these pictures on a monitor. After the test, the pictures can be stored on video and printed out. This exam may be used along with a mammogram. Magnetic Resonance ImagingFor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a powerful magnet linked to a computer is sometimes used to make detailed pictures of tissue inside the breast. The doctor can view these pictures on a monitor and can print them on film. MRI may be used along with a mammogram. BiopsyOften, fluid or tissue must be removed from the breast to help the doctor learn whether cancer is present. This is called a biopsy. For the biopsy, the doctor may refer the woman to a surgeon or breast disease specialist. Sometimes a suspicious area that can be seen on a mammogram cannot be felt during a clinical breast exam. The doctor can use imaging devices to help see the area to then obtain tissue. Such procedures include ultrasound-guided, needle-localized, or stereotactic biopsy. Doctors can remove tissue from the breast in different ways:
If cancer cells are found, the pathologist can tell what kind of cancer it is. The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma. It begins in the lining of the ducts. Another type, called lobular carcinoma, begins in the lobules. A woman who needs a biopsy may want to ask her doctor the following questions:
Additional TestsIf the diagnosis is cancer, the doctor may order special lab tests on the tissue that was removed. The results of these tests help the doctor learn more about the cancer and plan appropriate treatment. Many women with breast cancer will have the hormone receptor test. It shows whether the cancer needs hormones (estrogen or progesterone) to grow. The result helps the doctor plan treatment. Sometimes a sample of breast tissue is checked for the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) or the HER2/neu gene. The presence of the HER2 receptor or gene may increase the chance that the breast cancer will come back. [Top]Breast Cancer STAGINGTo plan a woman's treatment, the doctor needs to know the extent (stage) of the disease. The stage is based on the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread. Staging may involve x-rays and lab tests to learn whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. When breast cancer spreads, cancer cells are often found in lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes). The extent of the cancer often is not known until after surgery to remove the tumor in the breast and the lymph nodes under the arm. A woman may want to ask her doctor these questions after staging:
Stages of Breast CancerDoctors describe breast cancer by the following stages: Stage 0 is called carcinoma in situ.Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) refers to abnormal cells in the lining of a lobule. (See picture of lobule in the Diagram section.) These abnormal cells are a marker of increased risk. That means a woman with LCIS has an increased risk of developing invasive cancer in either breast sometime in the future. (Both breasts are at risk.) Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a precancerous condition in the lining of a duct. DCIS is also called intraductal carcinoma. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to invade the surrounding breast tissue. However, if not treated, DCIS sometimes becomes invasive cancer. Stage I is an early stage of invasive breast cancer. Stage I means that the tumor is no more than 2 centimeters (less than three-quarters of an inch) across, and cancer cells have not spread beyond the breast. See Diagram Stage II is one of the following:The tumor in the breast is no more than 2 centimeters (less than three-quarters of an inch) across, and the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm; or The tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters (three-quarters of an inch to 2 inches), and the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes under the arm; or The tumor is larger than 5 centimeters (2 inches) but has not spread to the lymph nodes under the arm. Stage III may be a large tumor, but the cancer has not spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes. It is locally advanced cancer. Stage IIIA means the tumor in the breast is smaller than 5 centimeters, the cancer has spread to the underarm lymph nodes, and the lymph nodes are attached to each other or to other structures. Or the tumor is large (more than 5 centimeters across), and the cancer has spread to the underarm lymph nodes. Stage
IIIB means the tumor may have grown into the chest wall or
the skin of the breast; or the cancer has spread to lymph nodes under
the breastbone.
Stage IV is distant metastatic cancer. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Recurrent cancer is cancer that has come back (recurred) after treatment. It may recur locally (in the breast or chest wall) or in any other part of the body (such as bone, liver, or lungs). [Top]Breast Cancer TreatmentMany women with breast cancer want to learn all they can about their disease and their treatment choices. They want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care. Learning more about the disease helps many women cope. But how much information to seek and how to deal with it are personal choices. Each woman can make her own decision about how much she wants to know. (See National Cancer Institute Information Resources.) The shock and stress after a diagnosis of cancer can make it hard to think of everything to ask the doctor. Often it helps to make a list of questions before an appointment. To help remember what the doctor says, a woman can take notes or ask whether she may use a tape recorder. Some also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor--to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen. The doctor may refer a woman with breast cancer to a specialist, or the woman may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat breast cancer include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and plastic surgeons. A woman may have a different specialist for each type of treatment. Treatment generally begins within a few weeks after the diagnosis. Usually, there is time for a woman to talk with her doctor about treatment options, get a second opinion, and learn more about breast cancer before making a treatment decision. Getting a Second OpinionBefore starting treatment, a woman with breast cancer may want to get a second opinion about her diagnosis and treatment options. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the woman or doctor requests it. It may take time and effort to gather medical records (mammogram films, biopsy slides, pathology report, and proposed treatment plan) and arrange to see another doctor. In general, taking several weeks to get a second opinion does not make treatment less effective. There are a number of ways to find a doctor for a second opinion:
Treatment MethodsWomen with breast cancer have many treatment options. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and biological therapy. These options are described below. In most cases, the most important factor in treatment choices is the stage of the disease. See the section called Treatment Choices by Stage. Many women receive more than one type of treatment. In addition, at any stage of disease, women with breast cancer may have treatment to control pain and other symptoms of the cancer, to relieve the side effects of treatment, and to ease emotional problems. This kind of treatment is called supportive care, symptom management, or palliative care. Information about supportive care is available on NCI's Web site at http://cancer.gov and from NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER. Treatment for cancer is either local therapy or systemic therapy:
Most women want to know how treatment may change their normal activities. They want to know how they will look during and after treatment. The doctor is the best person to describe treatment choices, side effects, and the expected results of treatment. Each woman can work with her doctor to develop a treatment plan that meets her needs and personal values. A woman may want to ask her doctor these questions before treatment begins:
Women do not need to ask all of their questions at once. They will have other chances to ask the doctor to explain things that are not clear and to ask for more information. SurgerySurgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. There are several types of surgery. The doctor can explain each type, discuss and compare the benefits and risks, and describe how each will affect the woman's appearance:
Studies have found equal survival rates for breast-sparing surgery (with radiation therapy) and mastectomy for Stage I and Stage II breast cancer. A new method of checking for cancer cells in the lymph nodes is called sentinel lymph node biopsy. In this operation, a specially trained surgeon removes only one or a few lymph nodes (the sentinel nodes) instead of removing a much larger number of underarm lymph nodes. In breast-sparing surgery, the surgeon removes the tumor in the breast and some tissue around it. (Sometimes an excisional biopsy--which removes all of the tumor--serves as a lumpectomy. Biopsy is described in the Diagnosis section.) Occasionally, some of the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor is removed as well. Some lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed. Diagram In total (simple) mastectomy, the surgeon removes the whole breast. Some lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed. Diagram In modified radical mastectomy, the surgeon removes the whole breast, most or all of the lymph nodes under the arm, and, often, the lining over the chest muscles. The smaller of the two chest muscles also may be taken out to make it easier to remove the lymph nodes. Diagram A woman may want to ask her doctor these questions before having surgery:
Women may choose to have breast reconstruction (plastic surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast). It may be done at the same time as a mastectomy or later. Women considering reconstruction may wish to talk about it with a plastic surgeon before having a mastectomy. Radiation therapyRadiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It generally follows breast-sparing surgery. Sometimes, depending on the size of the tumor and other factors, radiation therapy also is used after mastectomy. The radiation destroys breast cancer cells that may remain in the area. Some women have radiation therapy (alone or with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy) before surgery to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. This approach is most often used when the breast tumor is large or cannot easily be removed by surgery. Doctors use two types of radiation therapy to treat breast cancer:
Some women with breast cancer have both kinds of radiation therapy. A woman may want to ask her doctor these questions before having radiation therapy:
ChemotherapyChemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy for breast cancer is usually a combination of drugs. The drugs may be given as a pill or by injection into a vein (IV). Either way, the drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. Most women with breast cancer have chemotherapy in an outpatient part of the hospital, at the doctor's office, or at home. But some women may need to stay in the hospital during chemotherapy. [Top] Hormonal Replacement Therapy - HRT Cancer LinksHormonal therapy keeps cancer cells from getting the natural hormones (estrogen and progesterone) they need to grow. If lab tests show that the breast tumor has hormone receptors, the woman may have hormonal therapy. Like chemotherapy, hormonal therapy can affect cells throughout the body. This treatment may be a medicine or surgery:
Biological therapyBiological therapy uses the body's natural ability (immune system) to fight cancer. Some women with metastatic breast cancer receive a biological therapy called Herceptin® (trastuzumab). It is a monoclonal antibody, a substance made in the laboratory that can bind to cancer cells. Herceptin is given to women whose lab tests show that a breast tumor has too much of a specific protein known as HER2. By blocking HER2, Herceptin can slow or stop the growth of the cancer cells. Herceptin is injected into a vein. It may be given by itself or along with chemotherapy. Like chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, it can affect cancer cells throughout the body. A woman may want to ask her doctor these questions before having systemic therapy (chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or biological therapy):
Treatment Choices by StageA woman's treatment options depend on the stage of her disease and the following factors:
The following are brief descriptions of treatments commonly used for each stage. (Other treatments may be appropriate for some women.) Clinical trials can be an option at all stages of breast cancer. See the The Promise of Cancer Research section for information about clinical trials. Stage 0Stage 0 breast cancer refers to lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS):
Stages I, II, and IIIAWomen with Stage I, II, or IIIA breast cancer may have a combination of treatments. Some (especially those with Stage I or II breast cancer) choose breast-sparing surgery followed by radiation therapy to the breast. Others decide to have a mastectomy. With either approach, women (especially those with Stage II or IIIA breast cancer) often have lymph nodes under the arm removed. The doctor may suggest radiation therapy after mastectomy if cancer cells are found in more than three underarm lymph nodes, or if the tumor in the breast is large. The choice between breast-sparing surgery (followed by radiation therapy) and mastectomy depends on many factors:
Some women (especially those with large Stage II or IIIA breast tumors) have chemotherapy before surgery. This treatment is called neoadjuvant therapy. Chemotherapy before surgery may shrink a large tumor so that breast-sparing surgery is possible. After surgery, many women receive adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or both). Adjuvant therapy is used to destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent the cancer from coming back in the breast or elsewhere. Stages IIIB and IIICWomen with stage IIIB (including those with inflammatory breast cancer) or stage IIIC breast cancer usually have chemotherapy. If the chemotherapy shrinks the tumor, the doctor then may recommend additional treatment:
The doctor also may recommend additional chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or both. Systemic therapy may help prevent the disease from coming back in the breast or elsewhere. Stage IVIn most cases, women with stage IV breast cancer have hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or both. Some also may have biological therapy. Radiation may be used to control tumors in certain parts of the body. These treatments are not likely to cure the disease, but they may help a woman live longer. Many women have palliative (supportive) care along with anticancer treatments intended to slow the progress of the disease. Some may receive only palliative care to manage their symptoms. Palliative care can help the woman feel better--physically and emotionally. The goal of this type of treatment is to control a woman's pain and other symptoms and to relieve the side effects of treatment (such as nausea), rather than to extend her life. Recurrent Breast CancerRecurrent cancer is cancer that has come back after treatment. Treatment for the recurrent disease depends mainly on the location and extent of the cancer and on the type of treatment the woman had before. If breast cancer comes back in the breast (and not anywhere else) after breast-sparing surgery, the woman may have a mastectomy. Chances are good that the disease will not come back again elsewhere. If breast cancer recurs in other parts of the body, the treatment may involve chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or biological therapy. Radiation therapy may help control cancer that recurs in the chest muscles or in certain other areas of the body. As with Stage IV breast cancer, treatment can seldom cure cancer that recurs outside the breast. Palliative care is often an important part of the treatment plan. Many patients have palliative care to ease their symptoms while they have anticancer treatments to slow the progress of the disease. Some receive only palliative care to improve their quality of life by easing pain, nausea, and other symptoms. Breast Cancer Clinical TrialsWomen with breast cancer may want to talk with their doctor about taking part in a clinical trial, a research study of new ways to treat cancer and prevent recurrence. Clinical trials are an important option for many women. Trials are available for all stages of breast cancer. Patients who join trials have the first chance to benefit from new treatments that have shown promise in earlier research. The Promise of Cancer Research section has more information about current treatment research. It tells how a woman or her doctor can find out about trials that may be appropriate for her [Top] Side Effects of Cancer TreatmentBecause cancer treatment is likely to damage healthy cells and tissues, unwanted side effects are common. Specific side effects depend mainly on the type and extent of the treatment. Side effects may not be the same for each woman, or even for women having the same treatments. And a woman's side effects may change from one treatment session to the next. The health care provider will explain the possible side effects of treatment and how to manage them. The NCI provides helpful booklets about treatments and coping with side effects, such as Radiation Therapy and You, Chemotherapy and You, and Eating Hints for Cancer Patients. See the National Cancer Institute Information Resources and National Cancer Institute Booklets for other sources of information about side effects. Breast Cancer SurgerySurgery causes short-term pain and tenderness in the area of the operation. Before surgery, women may want to talk with their health care provider about pain management. Any kind of surgery also carries a risk of infection, bleeding, or other problems. Women who develop any problems should tell their health care provider right away. Removal of one or both breasts can cause a woman to feel off balance--especially if she has large breasts. This imbalance can cause discomfort in her neck and back. Also, the skin in the area where the breast was removed may feel tight. The muscles of the arm and shoulder may feel stiff and weak, but these problems usually are temporary. The doctor, nurse, or physical therapist can recommend exercises to help a woman regain movement and strength in her arm and shoulder. Because nerves may be injured or cut during surgery, a woman may have numbness and tingling in her chest, underarm, shoulder, and upper arm. These feelings usually go away within a few weeks or months, but for some women, numbness does not go away. LymphedemaRemoving the lymph nodes under the arm slows the flow of lymph fluid. The fluid may build up in the arm and hand and cause swelling (lymphedema). This problem can develop right after surgery or months to years later. A woman needs to protect her arm and hand on the treated side for the rest of her life. She will need to:
A woman should ask her doctor how to handle any cuts, insect bites, sunburn, or other injuries to the arm or hand. Also, she should contact the doctor if that arm or hand is injured, swells, or becomes red and warm. If lymphedema occurs, the doctor may suggest exercises and other ways to deal with this problem. For example, some women with lymphedema wear an elastic sleeve to improve lymph circulation. The doctor also may suggest other approaches, such as medication, manual lymph drainage (massage), or use of a machine that gently compresses the arm. The woman may be referred to a physical therapist or another specialist. More information about lymphedema is available on NCI's Web site at http://cancer.gov and from NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER. Radiation TherapyDuring radiation therapy, women with breast cancer may become tired, especially toward the end of treatment. This feeling may continue for a while after treatment is over. Resting is important, but doctors usually advise patients to try to stay as active as they can. It is also common for the skin in the treated area to become red, dry, tender, and itchy. The breast may feel heavy and tight. These problems will go away over time. Toward the end of treatment, the skin may become moist and "weepy." Exposing this area to air as much as possible can help the skin heal. Because bras and some other types of clothing may rub the skin and cause irritation, women may want to wear loose-fitting cotton clothes during this time. Gentle skin care also is important, and women should check with their doctor before using any deodorants, lotions, or creams on the treated area. These effects of radiation therapy on the skin are temporary, and the area gradually heals once treatment is over. However, there may be a lasting change in the color of the skin. ChemotherapyAs with radiation, chemotherapy affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the specific drugs and the dose. In general, anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly, especially:
Some anticancer drugs can damage the ovaries. If the damaged ovaries stop making hormones, the woman may have symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Her menstrual periods may become irregular or may stop, and she may become infertile (unable to become pregnant). For women over the age of 35, infertility is likely to be permanent. On the other hand, if a woman remains fertile during chemotherapy, she may be able to become pregnant. Because the effects of chemotherapy on an unborn child are not known, a woman may wish to talk with her doctor about birth control before treatment begins. Although long-term side effects are quite rare, there have been cases in which the heart becomes weakened. Also, second cancers, such as leukemia (cancer of the blood cells), have occurred in people who have had chemotherapy. Hormonal TherapyThe side effects of hormonal therapy depend largely on the specific drug or type of treatment. Tamoxifen is the most common hormonal treatment. It blocks the effects of estrogen on cells. Not all women who take tamoxifen have side effects. In general, the side effects of tamoxifen are similar to some of the symptoms of menopause. The most common side effects are hot flashes and vaginal discharge. Some women experience irregular menstrual periods, headaches, fatigue, nausea and/or vomiting, vaginal dryness or itching, irritation of the skin around the vagina, and skin rash. Women who are still menstruating may become pregnant when taking tamoxifen. Tamoxifen may harm the unborn baby. Women should discuss birth control methods with their doctor before taking tamoxifen. Serious side effects of tamoxifen are rare. However, it can cause blood clots in the veins, especially in the legs and in the lungs. In a small number of women, tamoxifen can slightly increase the risk of stroke. Also, it can cause cancer that arises in the lining or the muscular wall of the uterus. Any unusual vaginal bleeding should be reported to the doctor. The doctor may do a pelvic exam, as well as a biopsy of the lining of the uterus, or other tests. If the hormonal therapy is surgery to remove the ovaries, a woman will go through menopause immediately. The side effects are likely to be more severe than problems associated with natural menopause. The health care provider can suggest ways to cope with these side effects. Biological TherapyHerceptin is the biological therapy used to treat some women with breast cancer that has spread. Side effects that most commonly occur during the first treatment with Herceptin are fever and chills. Other possible side effects include pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, difficulty breathing, and rashes. These side effects generally become less severe after the first treatment. Herceptin also may cause heart damage, which may lead to heart failure. It can also affect the lungs, causing breathing problems that require immediate medical attention. Before a woman receives Herceptin, the health care provider checks the woman for heart and lung problems. During treatment, the health care provider watches for signs of heart and lung problems. [Top]Complementary and Alternative MedicineSome women with breast cancer use complementary and alternative medicine healing approaches to reduce stress or to reduce side effects and symptoms:
Some common types of complementary and alternative medicine are acupressure, acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, vitamins or special diets, visualization, meditation, and spiritual healing. Many women report that such approaches help them feel better. However, some types of complementary and alternative medicine may interfere with or may be harmful when used with treatments prescribed by a doctor. Before trying any of these therapies, a woman should discuss their possible benefits and risks with her doctor. [Top] Breast ReconstructionSome women who need a mastectomy decide to have breast reconstruction, either at the same time as the mastectomy or later on. Other women prefer to wear a breast form (prosthesis). Still others decide to do nothing. All of these options have pros and cons, and what is right for one woman may not be right for another. What is important is that nearly every woman treated for breast cancer has choices. A woman considering breast reconstruction should consult with a plastic surgeon before the mastectomy, even if the reconstruction would be done later on. Various procedures are used to reconstruct the breast. Some women choose to have implants (either saline or silicone). The safety of silicone breast implants has been under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several years. Women interested in having silicone implants should talk with their doctor about the FDA's findings and the availability of silicone implants. A woman also may have breast reconstruction with tissue that is moved from another part of her body. Skin, muscle, and fat can be moved to the chest from the lower abdomen, back, or buttocks. The plastic surgeon uses this tissue to create a breast shape. Which type of reconstruction is best depends on a woman's age, body type, and the type of surgery she had. The plastic surgeon can explain the risks and benefits of each type of reconstruction. A woman may want to ask her doctor these questions about breast reconstruction:
The Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER can suggest other sources of information about breast reconstruction. [Top]Recovery from Breast CancerHealth care providers make every effort to help women with breast cancer return to their normal activities as soon as possible. Recovery is different for each woman, depending on the type of treatment, whether the disease has spread, and other factors. Exercising the arm and shoulder after surgery can help a woman regain motion and strength in these areas. It can also reduce pain and stiffness in her neck and back. Special exercises can begin as soon as the doctor says the woman is ready, often within a day or so after surgery. Exercising begins slowly and gently and can even be done in bed. It is often done under the direction of a physical therapist. Over time, exercising can be more active. Regular exercise can then become part of a woman's normal routine. (Women who have a mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction need special exercises, which the health care provider will explain.) Often, performing certain exercises and resting with the arm propped up on a pillow can prevent or reduce lymphedema after surgery. Information about lymphedema prevention and treatment is in the Side Effects section. More information about recovery can be found in the NCI's booklet Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer Treatment. [Top] Follow-up CareRegular checkups are important after breast cancer treatment. Even when the cancer seems to have been completely removed or destroyed, the disease sometimes returns because undetected cancer cells remained somewhere in the body after treatment. The health care provider monitors recovery and checks for recurrence of cancer. Checkups help ensure that any changes in health are noted. A woman who has had cancer in one breast should report any changes in the treated area or in the other breast to her doctor right away. A woman should also report if she has any physical problems, such as pain, loss of appetite or weight, changes in menstrual cycles, unusual vaginal bleeding, or blurred vision. She should also report headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, coughing or hoarseness, backaches, or digestive problems that seem unusual or that don't go away. Some problems may arise months or years after treatment. They may suggest that the cancer has returned, but they can also be symptoms of many other health problems. It is important to share these concerns with a health care provider so problems can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Follow-up usually includes examination of the breasts, chest, neck, and underarm areas. Because a woman who has had breast cancer is at risk of getting cancer again, she should have mammograms of the preserved breast and/or opposite breast. However, a woman usually does not need a mammogram of the reconstructed breast. Sometimes the doctor may order other imaging procedures or lab tests. The NCI has prepared a booklet for people who have completed their treatment to help answer questions about follow-up care and other concerns. Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer Treatment provides tips for making the best use of medical visits. It describes how to talk to the doctor about creating a plan of action for recovery and future health. [TopSUPPORT FOR WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCERA diagnosis of breast cancer can change a woman's life and the lives of those close to her. These changes can be hard to handle. It is common for the woman and her family and friends to have many different and sometimes confusing emotions. Many women find that having good information and support services can make it easier to cope. People living with cancer may worry about caring for their families, keeping their jobs, or continuing daily activities. Concerns about tests, treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. The health care provider can answer questions about treatment, working, or other activities. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful to those who want to talk about their feelings or discuss their concerns. Often, a social worker can suggest resources for help with recovery, emotional support, financial aid, transportation, or home care. Friends and relatives can be very supportive. Also, many women find it helps to discuss their concerns with others who have cancer. Women with breast cancer often get together in support groups, where they can share what they have learned about coping with their disease and the effects of their treatment. It is important to keep in mind, however, that each woman is different. Ways that one woman deals with cancer may not be right for another. A woman may want to ask her health care provider about advice she receives from other breast cancer survivors. Several organizations offer special programs for women with breast cancer. Trained volunteers, who have had breast cancer themselves, may talk with or visit women with breast cancer, provide information, and lend emotional support. They often share their experiences with breast cancer treatment, rehabilitation, and breast reconstruction. Sometimes women who have had breast cancer are afraid that changes to their body will affect not only how they look but also how other people feel about them. They may be concerned that breast cancer and its treatment will affect their sexual relationships. Many couples find it helps to talk about their concerns. Some find that counseling or a couples' support group can be helpful. The Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-CANCER) can provide printed materials on coping with cancer, as well as information to help women with breast cancer and their families locate programs, services, and publications. [Top]The Promise of Breast Cancer RresearchResearch has led to important advances in breast cancer. Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials (research studies in which people volunteer to take part). These are studies of new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat breast cancer. Researchers are also studying the psychological effects of the disease and ways to improve a patient's comfort and quality of life. Clinical trials are designed to answer important questions and to find out whether the new approach is safe and effective. Often, clinical trials compare a new method with a widely accepted approach. People who join clinical trials have the first chance to benefit from new approaches. They also make an important |
Medical Review of Herbal Remedies