Volume 23
Number 21
October 19, 2012
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
BREAST CANCER MYTHS: TRUE OR FALSE? Myths surrounding breast cancer abound. Some have no factual basis at all (eg, Using antiperspirant, drinking caffeine, and wearing an underwire bra will all increase your risk.). But others have a kernel of truth. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with Angela DeMichele, MD, of Hematology-Oncology, to get the facts.
ALL BREAST LUMPS ARE CANCEROUS. Not true. In fact, most lumps are not, especially in pre-menopausal women. “A lump may be a cyst or a normal change in the tissue during a woman’s cycle. We often watch the lump during a monthly cycle to see if it changes.” It’s less common for post-menopausal women to have benign lumps, but bottom line: “We take every new lump seriously, no matter what the patient’s age.”
I FOUND A LUMP BUT MY MAMMOGRAM WAS NEGATIVE SO IT WAS NOTHING. Not necessarily. Post-menopausal women have more fatty tissue in their breasts which makes them more transparent; a mammogram can more easily pick up changes. A younger woman’s breast tissue, on the other hand, is glandular, which makes it harder to get a clear picture. “Any persistent lump — even in the face of a normal mammogram — should be biopsied to make sure no cancer cells are present.”
I HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER SO I’LL GET IT, TOO.
persistent lump — even in Any the face of a normal mammogram — should be biopsied to make sure no cancer cells are present. — Angela DeMichele, MD Hematology-Oncology, Penn Medicine
While having a family history can raise your risk, the majority of people who get breast cancer do not have a genetic connection. Still, it’s always important to know your family’s medical history. If you have multiple cases of breast cancer in your history — especially if they occur under the age of 50 — or cases of both breast and ovarian cancers, you have an increased risk.
WEIGHT CAN INCREASE MY RISK. Yes. Although not well understood, women with a BMI (body mass index) of over 30 have an increased risk of breast cancer. “Not only is the risk for getting breast cancer higher but the chance of recurrence is greater as well if a person is obese.”
BREAST CANCER IS PREVENTABLE. Not 100 percent, but there are several ways to minimize your risk and improve the likelihood of catching it early and in a more treatable stage:
Two Nurses Honored with Top Recognitions..............2
• Get an annual mammogram, starting at age 40. “It’s the best screening tool we have.” • Keep your body weight down, with a BMI of 25 or lower. • Get regular exercise. • Do monthly self-exams. A sizable fraction of breast cancers have been found by women
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• Know your family history, of both parents. “A person is just as likely to inherit the breast
Fifty Years of Caring for Moms and Babies.....................3
(Read about Penn’s new breast cancer research programs on page 2.)
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during self-exam.
cancer gene from a father as from a mother.” Genetic testing will help calculate your risk.
Join Penn’s Medicine’s Heartwalk Team.........................4
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