Breast Cancer

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Rigorous scientific studies have found no diet or other similar intervention to prevent breast cancer. Studies are underway to see if certain medications can prevent the development of breast cancer in high risk women. The medicines, including tamoxifen, are not expected to be 100% effective, and they may have serious side effects. There is no other proven method to effectively prevent this cancer.

It is very important to detect breast cancer early, when it is much easier to cure. Every woman should do a monthly breast self-exam to detect any unusual lumps. A healthcare provider should check the woman's breasts during routine physical exams every 2 years for women younger than 40. After the age of 40, women should have the exam on a yearly basis.

According to the American Cancer Society, all women over 40 years of age with or without symptoms should have a mammogram once a year. Other organizations have different recommendations. However, all of these organizations agree that every woman over the age of 50 years should have an annual mammogram.

For women with an increased risk for breast cancer, there are no established guidelines for the age to start using screening mammography. This should be discussed and decided with the physician. Mammography is often not useful in women under the age of 35 with current techniques because the breast tissue is too dense to allow accurate interpretation of the X-rays.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Breast cancer is fatal if left untreated. It can be cured in the early stages. Once cured, the person will live a normal life. Loss of the breast may be emotionally upsetting. Reconstruction of the lost breast may assist with emotional adjustment.

What are the risks to others?

Breast cancer is not contagious and poses no direct risks to others. When a woman has breast cancer, this may indicate that other close female relatives are at risk. This does not mean that she will spread it.