Attendees of the breast cancer awareness symposium “Bridging the Gap: Promoting Breast Cancer Prevention, Screening and Wellness” were given the chance to submit questions on breast cancer in the minority community. This is the second part of these questions answered by Dr. Preya Ananthakrishnan, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery and a host of the event.
Q: Does removing a breast that is not cancerous mean the cancer can or will occur somewhere else?
Dr. Ananthakrishnan: Removing a breast that is not cancerous (called prophylactic mastectomy) decreases the chances that a cancer will form in the opposite breast, however does not have any impact on whether the cancer will occur somewhere else.
Q: Does Arimedex affect joints and vision?
Dr. Ananthakrishnan: Yes, anastrazole (Arimidex) can cause joint pain. Vision changes should be reported immediately to your doctor, particularly if associated with headaches, confusion, or difficulty with speech or balance. This could be a medical emergency that would require immediate attention.
Q: Is it recommended that I take Tamoxifen as a prevention for breast cancer? What are the side effects? Is it possible to get a list of the suggested preventative foods mentioned by Dr. Crew?
Dr. Ananthakrishnan: The benefits of your taking Tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention depend on your individualized risk of breast cancer, which should be discussed with your doctor or a medical oncologist. Side effects of Tamoxifen include blood clots, strokes, uterine cancer, and cataracts. Other less serious side effects include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, leg cramps, and joint pain.
Q: I had an abdominal, pelvic & chest CT scan in January, April & now scheduled for a chest CT in June. Last because of chest pain & abdominal discomfort. Is this too much radiation with contrast & non-contrast scans?
Dr. Ananthakrishnan: While you would like to limit your radiation exposure from imaging studies as much as possible, if you are having serious symptoms then the benefits of detecting a problem on the scans are likely to outweigh the risks of the additional radiation. However, perhaps you could speak with your doctor to see whether the tests could be spaced out more if the symptoms you are experiencing have not changed in the interim.
Q: What is the increased risk for breast cancer development for women who have had abortions?
Dr. Ananthakrishnan: History of abortions does not increase risk for breast cancer. (You can refer to the: Summary Report: Early Reproductive Events and Breast Cancer Workshop for even more information on this.)
Q: My breast are large and mammograms are painful. Are there any alternatives – holistic or otherwise? The pressing seems un-natural and looks like it would cause other problems.
Dr. Ananthakrishnan: While mammograms are painful, unfortunately at this time there are no well accepted alternatives to mammography. The FDA came out with a statement in early June that thermography is not a substitute for screening mammography.
Q: When you mentioned a relative getting cancer at an early age may mean you are at a higher risk, is it any relative?
A first degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with a breast cancer increases risk more so than a distant relative.
Watch for Part 3 of this article, “Bridging the Gap: Your Questions & Answers on Breast Cancer from Dr. Preya Ananthakrishnan and Dr. Katherine Crew” to be posted shortly on columbiasurgery.net.
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