HEALTHIER YOU: Knowing the facts about breast cancer

Knowing the facts about breast cancer

BY DR. ANNETTE MAYES, OB/GYN

Many women feel apprehensive when getting their breasts checked by a physician or getting their recommended mammogram. As we acknowledge October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the primary word is “Awareness.” It is always better to be educated — and prepared to be proactive if you receive a positive finding of breast cancer.

These are some healthy tips to take into consideration if you receive a breast cancer diagnosis:

It is always good to form a good health care team that consists of oncologists, who specialize in treating cancer. It’s important to get your medical care from an oncologist who specializes in treating breast cancer. The best cancer centers have many different kinds of doctors and professionals who work together as a team — oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, registered dietitians, social workers, and others.

Always advocate for yourself. The members of your health care team are experts in treating cancer — but you are the expert of your own life. Speak up about your needs and concerns so you can get the best care possible.

When receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, it is important to know that you are not alone. There are many sources of support available to you — including your health care team, supportive family and friends, members of your faith or spiritual community, and others. Some breast cancer treatment options include:

• Surgery: Most women with breast cancer will have surgery to remove their tumor.
• Lumpectomy: Removing only the tumor and small amount of tissue surrounding it.
• Mastectomy: Removing the entire breast.
• Chemotherapy refers to drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells.
• Targeted treatments are newer drugs designed to kill only cancer cells, not healthy cells.
• Hormonal therapy: Some breast cancers grow in response to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal treatments block these hormones or reduce their amount in the body.
• Radiation refers to the use of special high-energy beams to stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

For additional information call the Las Vegas All Women’s Care at (702) 522-9640. Or visit us at 700 Shadow Lane #165 in Las Vegas.