Breast Cancer
with Madhu Chaudhry, MD
When is it ideal to begin screenings for breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women. Currently, approximately three million women in the U.S. are under surveillance for breast cancer recurrence.
Without a doubt, the best chance for recovery is early detection. If during self-examination, you feel an abnormal mass or have nipple discharge, you should see your physician and have a mammogram. According to Dr. Madhu Chaudhry, Medical Oncologist at GBMC, “It’s ideal to detect breast cancer on a screening mammogram. The earlier we detect it, the less extensive the treatment is likely to be, and survival rates improve.”
Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram once a year. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you should start annual mammograms at age 35.
If any abnormalities are found, the next step is usually core biopsy, where cells are removed from the suspicious mass for pathologic examination. Lymph node involvement is the most important factor in the risk for recurrence. The higher the number of lymph nodes involved, the greater the risk that the disease will come back.
If invasive breast cancer is found in the biopsy, then the surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist team up to determine the optimal form of treatment. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or a combination.
There are a number of surgeries, including a lumpectomy, in which part of the breast is removed. Mastectomy can often be avoided but, if required, can be immediately followed by reconstructive surgery.
Radiation therapy is offered for all patients who have had lumpectomy and some who have had mastectomy. In this procedure, precise amounts of high-energy radiation are used to stop the reproduction of cancer cells, and ultimately kill them. This targeted approach also minimizes damage to healthy tissue.
Dr. Chaudhry also works with patients to determine if chemotherapy is needed. Although tumor size and lymph node involvement are two common determining factors, there are other considerations as well. Age of the patient is important, including whether she is pre- or post-menopausal.
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to treat cancerous cells. It reaches all parts of the body, not just cancerous cells. Because of this, chemotherapy is often scheduled in cycles, with treatment periods followed by recovery periods.
In addition to size of the tumor and involvement of the lymph nodes, there are other factors in determining if chemotherapy is appropriate. Age of the patient is important, including whether she is pre- or post-menopausal.The benefit of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Center at GBMC is that patients can find an integrated team of experts in all areas of breast cancer. “Together, we’re able to pool our collective expertise to ensure patients have the best possible shot at survival and recovery,” says Dr. Chaudhry.
