Breast Cancer Facts and Frequently Asked Questions


Q: What is breast cancer?
A: Breast cancer is a process that begins when the cells of the breast undergo malignant changes. The normal cell is damaged and converts into a cell that begins to grow in an uncontrolled growth pattern. If the cancer cells continue to grow, they may spread to other sites in the body. This is called metastasis.

Q: What causes breast cancer?
A: The causes of breast cancer are not known. There are factors associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Being female is the highest risk factor. In addition, advancing age, family history and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the development of breast cancer.

Q: What is a mammogram?
A: A mammogram is a low dose radiation x-ray that is used to look inside of the breast. It is the best screening tool that is widely available to detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Mammograms can detect cancers even when they are too small to be felt by you or your doctor.

Q: Why should you get a screening mammogram?
A: The experts have shown that early detection is very important to surviving breast cancer. Mammograms can detect cancers that are very small. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women and it is also one of the most detectable cancers because of screening mammograms. If a cancer is found on a mammogram and treated early, the survival rate is excellent.

Q: Who should get a mammogram?
A: Women 40 years of age and older should get yearly mammograms. A woman under 40 with either a family history of breast cancer, or other concerns about her risk, should inquire from her doctor when to begin screening. Sometimes, these women begin screening earlier than 40 years old.

Q: What are the recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer?
A: Women 40 or over should have a clinical breast exam yearly performed by her doctor. In addition, a mammogram should be performed yearly. Although there is some discussion about the importance of monthly breast self examination, a woman should know what her breasts feel like so she could detect any changes that may occur. She should discuss this with her doctor. This is important because although mammograms do detect most cancers, approximately 10% of cancers are not seen with a regular mammogram.

Q: Do young women get breast cancer?
A: Yes. Although the majority of breast cancer occurs in older women, it can occur in young women too. Any lump found at any age needs professional evaluation by a doctor.

Q: What do I do if I find a Lump?
A: Go to your doctor. Any new lump needs to be evaluated regardless of a woman’s age or history. This may begin with a thorough history and physical exam and may necessitate a mammogram or a sonogram. She may need a biopsy as well.

Q: What is a biopsy?
A: A biopsy is when a part of the tissue is taken for pathologic evaluation. There are several different types of biopsies that can be performed. Most can be done in the office with local anesthesia while others may need to be done in the operating room.

Q: What if my biopsy shows a cancer?
A: Fortunately today, there is a lot of progress that has been made with the treatment and outcomes for breast cancer. There are several surgical options as well as new medical and radiation options for women with breast cancer. In addition, there are many areas or excellent resources to turn to for information, help and support. Breast cancer can be treated successfully if it is detected early.

Q: Who will help me through the process once I have been diagnosed with breast cancer?
A: In my office and at our breast center, we are lucky to have a Breast Navigator and an excellent, caring staff that will help a patient through the scary and unknown path of this devastating diagnosis. She will help you set up appointments with referring doctors, facilitate additional tests if needed and provide ongoing emotional support to the patient and the family.