100 Questions and Answers About Breast Cancer

, by Brown, Zora K.; Freeman, Harold P.; Platt, Elizabeth S.

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ISBN: 9780763735678 | 0763735671
Cover: Paperback
Copyright: 9/25/2006

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Whether you're a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. The only text to provide both the patient’s and doctor’s views, this completely updated second edition of this best-selling book gives you up-to-date, authoritative, practical answers to your questions about breast cancer, including risk factors and prevention, diagnosis and treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Now including an entire new section on the impact of cancer on sexuality, intimacy and fertility, 100 Questions & Answers About Breast Cancer, Second Edition is written by a prominent breast cancer advocate and survivor and by a cancer surgeon.The book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease.

Foreword

vii

Preface

Dedication

xii

Introduction

xiii

Part 1: The Basics

(14)

Questions 1-6 give background information about breast cancer with such topics as:

What is cancer?

Will I die if I get breast cancer? Is it true that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women?

What causes breast cancer? How do I determine whether I'm at risk?

Part 2: Risk Factors and Prevention

(34)

Questions 7-22 discuss risk factors and ways of minimizing breast cancer risk:

What risk factors are most important in determining my likelihood of getting cancer?

My breasts are always lumpy. Does this mean I have cancer or that I'm at a higher risk of getting cancer?

How does estrogen relate to breast cancer? Can birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy put me at risk?

I've heard a lot of different theories about what causes breast cancer. How do I tell which factors should concern me? Should I do research?

Is there anything I can do to prevent breast cancer?

What is a breast self-examination (BSE), and why should I perform one? When should I start doing BSEs? How often should I do BSEs?

Part 3 Diagnosis

(16)

Questions 23-26 outline the steps in determining whether you have breast cancer:

I've found a lump in my breast. What should I do now?

How is a mammogram performed? Is it uncomfortable? Does it hurt?

What might show up on a mammogram and what results should concern me?

Part 4: Treatment

(88)

Questions 27-56 give an extended overview of treatment options, treatment side effects and complications, options for breast reconstruction, and prospects of recurrence:

What should I do if it turns out I do have cancer?

What are the options available for the treatment of breast cancer?

What is a mastectomy and how does it differ from a lumpectomy? Why would I choose one over the other?

What is radiation therapy?

What is chemotherapy? How is hormonal therapy different?

What is meant by adjuvant therapy? Is it the same as alternative therapy?

Part 5: Coping with Treatment and Side Effects

153

(24)

Questions 57-68 address issues related to pain, hair loss, and other side effects. Practical matters such as financial and legal issues related to treatment are also discussed:

How can I relieve the pain associated with treatment?

What happens if the dose of pain medication I get isn't enough? Are pain drugs addictive?

What can I do to deal with hair loss?

Do meditation and guided imaging really help prevent recurrences?

I can't afford the medicine for chemotherapy; can I use half the dose? Where can I find help with the expense if I don't have insurance?

Part 6: Changes Cancer Brings

177

(30)

Questions 69-84 discuss ways to cope with emotional and physical changes that occur after cancer diagnosis and treatment:

How do I get my life back to normal?

Is it normal not to have mood swings when diagnosed, or will there be a delay in that response?

What role does past pain, anger, stress, and fear play in this disease?

My body seems different now that I have cancer—I don't feel as attractive. What can I do to change this?

Why is it so difficult to tell friends and loved ones about my cancer diagnosis?

Part 7: The Impact of Cancer on Sexuality, Intimacy, and Fertility

207

(24)

Questions 85-100 discuss the effects that breast cancer can have, and how to deal with these issues, on a woman's sexuality and fertility:

How do my partner and I "deal" with my mastectomy?

How do breast cancer diagnosis and treatment impact intimacy and sexuality?

Are there any medicines available that increase the desire for sex or make it more enjoyable? Compared to conventional treatments, are alternative medicines better at preserving sexuality?

If I'm pregnant when I'm diagnosed, should I delay treatment so it won't affect my baby? What if I get pregnant while I'm getting radiation or chemotherapy?

Can I have children and breast-feed after my treatment for cancer is finished? Will pregnancy cause a recurrence of breast cancer? When is it safe for a woman to become pregnant after breast cancer?

What options exist to preserve fertility for women with breast cancer? Are these options safe?

Appendix

231

(18)

A list of Web sites, organizations, and literature to help breast cancer patients and their families find additional resources on general and specific topics related to breast cancer.

Glossary

249

(8)

Index

257

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100 Questions and Answers About Breast Cancer

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials