Dr. Michael Hunter’s Breast Cancer Guide

Description

Dr. Michael Hunter’s Breast Cancer: A Visual Guide. Breast cancer touches so many of our lives. In this short book, Dr. Hunter provides you with the latest information on breast cancer. No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life. The Breast Cancer Guide has the latest information on breast cancer risk factors, genetic testing, screening, diagnosis, management, survivorship, etc. Complex information is provided in an easy-to-understand visual format.

We begin with a review of risk factors. By understanding your breast cancer risk factors, you can address concerns with a health care provider, develop an appropriate cancer screening strategy, and consider whether genetic counseling and testing are appropriate for you. For example:

Age

Age is a risk factor for breast cancer among both women and men. The older you are, the more likely you are to get breast cancer. Less than five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the USA are younger than 40. About half of women with breast cancer will be diagnosed after age 60. While the incidence of breast cancers driven by estrogen increases with age, the incidence of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer increases until age 50, then levels off.

Female

Being a female is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. While men can get breast cancer, the disease is approximately 100 times more common among women. However, the male incidence has risen slightly since 1975 (from 1 to 1.3 per 100,000). Men are more likely than women to be found with advanced-stage breast cancer, likely the result of lower awareness, and the lack of screening among men.

Personal history of breast cancer

A personal history of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive breast cancer increases the risk of invasive cancer in the opposite breast. This risk may be on the order of 0.5% per year, but the risk varies by factors such as your age at initial diagnosis, whether you have a so-called breast cancer gene (BRCA), and by the primary cancer hormone receptor status.

Height

The taller you are, the bigger your risk of getting breast cancer. In a study of over 100,000 women (followed for twelve years), women 5 feet 7 inches (1.75 meters) or taller were 1.6-times more likely to get breast cancer than women under 5 feet 2 inches (1.6 meters). Every 2 inches (5 centimeters) added 11 percent risk or increased risk by a factor of 1.1.

Density

Breast density describes the proportions of different breast tissue types. High breast density means there is a greater amount of breast and connective tissue, as compared to breast fat.

Low breast density means that there is a greater proportion of fat. In 2006, a meta-analysis (study of studies) showed breast density to be an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Women with very high breast density may be up to four to five times more likely to get breast cancer, compared to women with low breast density.

Many, but not all research studies demonstrate a link between breast density and the risk of getting breast cancer. Still, many states in the USA have enacted legislation mandating the reporting of breast density to women who have undergone mammography.

We will then turn to imaging, including how mammograms, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. Next up? Pathology, with a clear review of breast cancer types and biologic characteristics such as estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, HER2, grade, and more.

Our review of management will first look at local tools such as mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery, radiation therapy, breast reconstruction (plastic surgery), and management of regional lymph nodes. We’ll then pivot to systemic therapies, including endocrine therapy such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, as well as recent breakthroughs in endocrine therapy. We’ll take a brief look at chemotherapy, Herceptin, and more.

Finally, Dr. Michael Hunter’s Breast Cancer Guide will look at survivorship. What’s involved in follow-up? What should a patient look for?

Here’s a quick look at my website post on risk factors:
Breast Cancer Risk Factors