Frequenty Asked Questions:

I have a lump in my breast and I'm afraid it's cancer. Should I be worried?
The majority of lumps women may feel on their breasts are benign (not cancerous). A benign lump can be a collection of normal or hyperactive breast gland cells, or it may be a water-filled sac (cyst).

In any event, if you feel a lump contact your physician. By getting a doctor to check the lump you'll ease your fears. And if it's something serious, you can start getting treatment right away.

One way to make lumps less frightening is to get to know what your breasts normally feel like. There's no better way to find out than by doing your monthly breast self-exam. The upper, outer area—near your armpit—tends to have the most prominent lumps and bumps. The lower half of your breast can feel like a sandy or pebbly beach. The area under the nipple can feel like a collection of large grains. Another part might feel like a lumpy bowl of oatmeal.

If you notice any changes in your breasts that last over a full month's cycle or that seem to get worse or more obvious over time, tell your doctor. Knowing how your breasts usually look and feel may also help you avoid needless biopsies. If you're worried about getting breast cancer, give us a call and we can set up a consultation and screening to determine your risk factors.

I'm worried I might have breast cancer. What are the signs?
Often there are no outward signs of breast cancer that you can see or feel. If there are outward signs, the more common ones include a lump, an area of thickening, or a dimple in the breast. Less common signs include breast swelling and redness or an enlarged underarm lymph node.

But even if you have one or more of these signs, it still doesn't mean you have breast cancer. The majority of lumps that women feel on their breast are benign.

Still, it's extremely important that you see your doctor right away if you're worried that you might have breast cancer. Having your doctor take a look will ease your worry, and if anything is found, you'll be able to take care of it quickly.

Can I inherit breast cancer from my mother or other members of my family?
There's no simple answer to this question. Some abnormal genes are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. In families that have an abnormal gene, it can be passed down from a parent to a child, including from a father to a daughter.

Only 1 in 10 of women with breast cancer have inherited an abnormal breast cancer gene. Breast cancer due to an inherited gene abnormality tends to happen at an early age (under 40), in multiple relatives, and in one or both breasts (but usually not at the same time). The abnormal gene is also associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

We offer access to the Hughes Risk Assessment Tool, Genetic Testing, Genetic Counseling and a high risk clinic. To learn more, click special programs. Here are a few other important facts to remember:

• Just because your mother or another relative had breast cancer does not mean you will get breast cancer.
• Most women who get breast cancer do not have breast cancer in the family.
• There are many risk factors for breast cancer, and having it in the family is only one of them.
• If you're worried about getting breast cancer, give us a call and we can set up a consultation and screening to determine your risk factors.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
The side effects of chemotherapy are different for different people, different drugs, and different drug doses.

Some people may not be able to tolerate one particular drug, but do quite well on another. A lot depends on finding the right dose that will be effective against the cancer but still be tolerable for each person. This is something your doctor will monitor. Fortunately, a number of effective medications are available to manage side effects.

Most common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, anemia, mouth sores, taste and smell change, infection, diarrhea, menopause and infertility.

You can speak with one of our recovery specialists on how best to deal with these side effects.

What are the side effects of tamoxifen, and what are the alternatives to this treatment?
Tamoxifen (brand name: Nolvadex) is a medicine that is very effective in preventing the recurrence of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. But it does have side effects. The most common are menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, low libido, mood swings, and nausea.

If you're at an age when you would soon enter natural menopause, tamoxifen can nudge you into menopause sooner.

If tamoxifen gives you uncomfortable menopausal symptoms, and your doctor advises you not to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT), other effective treatments are available.

Tamoxifen may also cause non-cancerous changes in the uterus. In some women, it may increase the risk of blood clots or endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the uterus).

Remember that each woman's risk factors are different. When you discuss your medical history with your doctor, you may find that the benefits of tamoxifen far outweigh the risks.