Questions & Answers
1. If a woman does not have breast cancer in her family, does that mean she will not get breast cancer?
Family history — having a first-degree relative, such as a mother or sister, with breast cancer — is an important risk factor. But women with no family history can still get it. Approximately 70 percent to 80 percent of women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of it.
2. Do all breast cancers start with a lump?
A lump on the breast is one of several signs that a woman may have breast cancer. A new lump or mass on the breast or armpit is the most common sign of breast cancer, but it is not the only sign. Other signs include a change in the breast or nipple, such as irritation or puckering (that looks like an orange), or non-milk fluid from the nipple.
3. Why is the death rate for breast cancer higher in blacks? What can black women do to improve survival rates?
In the United States, although more white women are diagnosed with breast cancer than black women, more black women die from the disease. Research suggests breast cancer may not be found early enough in African American women because of unavailability of, or reluctance to get, mammograms. Some patients may not receive the proper treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer. It is important for women, beginning at the age of 40, to have a yearly breast exam and mammogram. It is equally important to followup if tests show abnormal results. Taking these steps will greatly increase the chance of detecting the cancer early and decreasing its likelihood of spreading.
4. Can an injury to the breast cause breast cancer?
An injury to the breast can cause redness, soreness or a bump that my resemble signs of breast cancer, but in general there is no evidence to suggest that an injury can cause breast cancer.
5. Are mammograms harmful? Can they cause cancer?
A mammogram, an X-ray of the breast, is an easy and safe tool for detecting cancer. The amount of radiation that a patient is exposed to during a mammogram is minimal and not great enough to cause cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, even if a woman had yearly mammograms from the age of 40 to 90, she will have received a very low cumulative dosage of radiation. Mammography exams are the most effective tool for detecting cancer even before the appearance of signs such as a lump.
6. If a woman has lumpy breasts, is her risk of breast cancer higher?
Having lumpy breasts, or fibrocystic changes, does not increase your chance of getting breast cancer. In fact, many women experience shape and texture changes in their breasts during their life. It is still important, however, to have all lumps in the chest region examined immediately by your doctor to rule out the possibility of breast cancer.
7. Is breast cancer curable?
If the cancer is detected early enough, it can be successfully treated. When detected early, breast cancer-related deaths can be reduced by 30 percent. Treatments vary and include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The most effective way to cure breast cancer is to catch it early and begin proper treatment.
8. Is there a relationship between hormonal replacement therapy and breast cancer?
In 2001, a large research study called the Women’s Health Initiative found that more women taking estrogen plus progesterone were diagnosed with breast cancer and had irregular mammograms than women not on estrogen-progesterone therapy. It is best to discuss with your doctor if hormone replacement is right for you.
Elizabeth J. Donahue and Marina Cervantes of the Disparities Solutions Center participated in the preparation of these responses.
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Joseph R. Betancourt, M.D.
Director of the Disparities Solutions Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
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