- Miriam Marín -
Fact:
More than 90% of patients with breast cancer do not have a family history; they are sporadic cases.
Action:
We all need to get checked.
Fact:
Less than 5% of breast cancer is genetic. If there is a family history, the final decision must be tied to the result of the family member who tested positive.
Action:
The interpretation of the tests is very important and must be linked to the results of other family members.
ANYTHING ELSE.
Fact:
Breast cancers that are less aggressive and/or in early development may appear negative on MRI.
Action:
Even if the MRI is negative, findings from any other study or clinical findings (palpable areas or nipple bleeding) must be evaluated by specialists. Breast imaging studies do not cancel each other; they complement each other.
NEED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE.
Fact:
Breast cancers that are less aggressive and/or in early development may appear negative on MRI.
Action:
Even if the MRI is negative, findings from any other study or clinical findings must be evaluated by specialists. Breast imaging studies do not cancel each other; they complement each other.
Fact:
Not all types of breast cancer are the same. Therefore, treatments vary depending on the characteristics of the tumor and of the patient.
Action:
You must consult with a specialist and, above all, understand that treatment strategies can differ between patients.
Fact:
Today we have numerous treatment alternatives for breast conditions, and many of them do not cause hair loss. There are also medical devices available that help prevent hair loss while the patient is receiving chemotherapy.
Action:
Ask your oncologist.
Fact:
Removing both breasts does not prevent recurrence; it prevents new occurrences.
Action:
After breast cancer has been properly treated, recurrence can occur because microscopic disease in the body becomes active again. This disease could not be removed surgically at the time of diagnosis because it was not detectable. Therefore, removing both breasts at diagnosis does not prevent recurrence.
The removal of both breasts is mainly preventive; it prevents new occurrences.
Fact:
Surgery treats only local disease or prevents local disease. However, breast cancer always includes disease in the rest of the body (systemic), which is treated with chemotherapy or other medications.
Action:
The medical oncologist is crucial in your process. Surgery is local management; it does not replace systemic medical treatment.
Information:
There are three treatment modalities:
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
Each treats different aspects of the disease.
Surgery treats local disease (in the breasts) that is detectable. This is the disease we can see and measure. There is also disease that cannot be detected, microscopic disease, and that is the disease that can recur. Locally, in the breasts, this disease is treated with radiation. In the rest of the body, it is treated with medical treatment—either intravenous or oral.
Radiation treats local disease that is not detectable (when necessary after surgery).
Chemotherapy or other medications treat systemic disease (in the rest of the body).
Chemotherapy is extremely important because it can eradicate hidden disease that is not detectable in the body, preventing metastasis (cancer in other organs when it becomes detectable).
This treatment is independent of which type of surgery is chosen.
Fact:
It has been oncologically proven that nipple preservation does not increase local recurrence or breast cancer mortality.
Action:
Seek a breast surgeon who can perform the surgery.
Information:
Research over more than 20 years has demonstrated that when nipple preservation is properly performed, it does not increase recurrence or mortality. In our practice, we have been performing this surgery for more than 15 years, and we know that preserving the nipple does not increase the chances of cancer.
In expert hands, reconstruction can be immediate; that is, the implant can be placed during the same surgery.
MASTECTOMY.
Fact:
Yes, it can be done. The surgery in these cases is more complex, meaning technically challenging.
Action:
Seek a breast surgeon who can perform the surgery.
Information:
This surgery is possible in expert hands and with good results. In large or sagging breasts, the surgery uses the breast reduction technique. All breast tissue is removed, the excess skin is lifted, and an implant is used as volume replacement. It is oncologically safe and aesthetically effective.
Fact:
Radiation does not affect the implant; it affects the tissue around the implant.
Action:
Use the medication Singulair.
Information:
Radiation causes a chronic inflammatory reaction that leads to severe encapsulation around the implant.
Most cases can be prevented using Singulair, which controls this chronic inflammatory response and prevents severe encapsulation.
Fact:
Immediate reconstruction with direct-to-implant placement can be done.
Action:
Seek an expert in reconstruction.
Information:
In expert hands, reconstruction can be immediate, meaning the implant can be placed during the same surgery. A revision may eventually be necessary, but it is optional and not a mandatory additional surgery.
- Yolanda Colón -