Breast Cancer Chat Transcription with Sue Wright
To mark October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the TVO series Your Health dedicated a one-hour program to that life-threatening issue, October 10th at 7 p.m. Hosted by Maureen Taylor, The Breast Cancer Special presented the personal, political and preventative strategies women can employ to combat the disease. The show also featured profiles of three breast cancer survivors who "shared their journey through diagnosis, treatment and family support." Following the broadcast, viewers participated in a live Internet chat session by accessing Your Health's Web Site.
The following is a transcription of the chat session.
Question
Why do some breast cancer patients get radiation while others get chemotherapy?
Sue Wright
Some people do not get chemotherapy because they don't need it. Radiation is a local treatment whereas chemo is systemic.
Question
Dave from Toronto asks: Sue, what are your thoughts regarding how to ceded what information to provide to children regarding breast cancer? What age do children need to have a full disclosure of the facts and possible realities?
Sue Wright
Dave, it is never easy to tell children that a parent has been diagnosed with cancer. You should give age appropriate information. My children were 3 and 6 so we did not give them the gruesome details. As they've grown older, they understand many women get breast cancer and survive it. And others do not. There are several good books available that help in this difficult piece of cancer. Call Willow, we will help you find them. Phone number on Your Health home page.
Question
Diane M of Windsor asked me: I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Tell me about the side effects or long term impact of Tamoxifen?
Sue Wright
I assume that your breast cancer was ER positive. Tamoxifen has been used as a systemic treatment for ER positive breast cancer for many years. With any drug, there are possible side effects. But Tamoxifen seems to be tolerated very well. The incidence of endometrial cancer as a result of this drug is very slight. This is why as a woman using it, you should be checked regularly by a gynecologist. There are also lots of literature supporting this drug. Please feel free to call Willow.
Question
Pat of Ancaster says: I had breast cancer at 28, a second primary at 41 (bilateral mastectomies) and endometrial cancer (from my tamoxafineÉ) at 48... I am 53 and perfectly fine now! My sister has had breast cancer pr-menopausally 3 times... my other sister and Mom are fine. How do I help my 27 year old daughter to get the best preventive help possible What should she be doing?
Sue Wright
Have you ever considered genetic testing? Whilst this is quite a scary prospect, I would recommend you seek counseling from a genetic counselor. In the meantime, perhaps your daughter can make sure she is examined physically on a regular basis. This should be done by a health care professional who is effective at effective at physical breast examination.
Question
Susan of Mississauga says: During her interview, Dr. Susan Love described a screening procedure whereby cells are withdrawn from the milk ducts. Is this procedure being used yet in Canada?
Sue Wright
This procedure is only available now in the U.S.has just recruited a Canadian doctor to train.
Question
I have hear there is a blood test that will determine if you have the gene for breast cancer. Is this true and accurate?
Sue Wright
Yes, there is a blood test.
This can determine whether you are a BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 carrier.
Question
Ann Brooks of Toronto says: I am curious to know what the usual recovery period is for the procedure described in tonight's program - the one involving taking tissue from the lower abdomen and transferring it to the mastectomy area?
Sue Wright
It usually takes about three to six weeks to recover.
Question
Gonnie of London says: My breast cancer is considered aggressive, a four out of four. If this type of cancer recurs, does it happen sooner than if it weren't an aggressive type?
Sue Wright
A lot will determine whether your cancer will return. It would be much easier for us as breast cancer survivors if there were more guarantees. It is hard to live with this in your mind and the fear that goes with that. If you would care to speak to someone about this, call Willow.
Question
Carole Mc of Thunder Bay says: Due to work commitment's I was unable to see the TVO special which had particular interest to me, having had breast cancer in 1995 and this year as well. Do you know if the special will be repeated?
Sue Wright
There will no copies available but it will be repeated Wednesday at 11 p.m.
Question
Tracy of Newcastle asks:
Sue Wright
BRCA-1 is a gene carried by a very small portion of the population. This predisposes them to a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer. BRCA-2 is breast cancer specific. Only a very very small percentage of women diagnosed with breast cancer are gene carriers.
Sue Wright
Pat of Ancaster, Dr. Semple is with Sunnybrook and Women's College. You need a referral to see him.
Sue Wright
The difference between a mammogram and ultrasound is: A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. It's used for screening and diagnostic purposes. An ultrasound is used for diagnostic purposes on a specific area of the breast.
Question
Goonie Innis of London says: I found my cancer in the lymphnodes (armpit) but primary was never found. I opted for just an auxiliary lymphnode dissection. Can an ultrasound still get a good picture now that there is scar tissue?
Sue Wright
You need to speak to a physician about your specific situation.
Because I'm not a doctor, I would feel I'm not qualified to answer. Sorry. Good luck
Question
Tracy of Newcastle says: If your grandmother had breast cancer twice would you recommend that I have the blood test to see which BRCA I am?
Sue Wright
Perhaps the best thing would be for you to discuss your personal medical history with a genetic counselor. They will be able to assess your relative risk. This would include both your family and medical history.
Question
Cathy from Toronto says: What's the difference between a lumpectomy & mastectomy?
Sue Wright
A lumpectomy is the removal of the tumor and surrounding breast tissue. It's usually accompanied by a course of radiation treatment. A mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast. Usually radiation is not offered after that.
Question
Ted of Uxbridge says: What are your feelings about herbal remedies, like essiac?
Sue Wright
Ted, many of our callers at Willow express interest in herbal remedies. When they ask us questions, we refer them to literature. Of course, literature on herbal remedies is often anecdotal. At Willow, we try to be nonjudgmental about treatment decisions.
Question
Gonnie of London says: One more question, what is the significance with ER negative breast cancer, other than that it is not "aggravated" by hormones?
Sue Wright
ER- breast cancer is more often found in pre-menopausal women. The number for Willow toll-free 1-888-778-3100. You can link from the Your Health web site.
Question
Joan says: What are the side effects of Tamoxifen? side effects of Raloxifin? Which drug is considered the best to take?
Sue Wright
We talked earlier about the side effects of Tamoxifen. Raloxifin is still in trial as a comparative drug.
Question
Laurie from Toronto says: Should women in their forties get regular mammography?
Sue Wright
We know that mammography is effective in diagnosing breast cancer in women over 50. We do not know if it is as effective for women under 50. But if you are under 50, you should have your breasts examined by a professional. This should be done at least every year.
Question
Lisa says: Where is the best place to go for a breast exam?
Sue Wright
If you are over 50, you can contact your local Ontario breast screening program. If you are under 50, I recommend that you investigate breast centers where you can be taught properly how to do breast self examination.
Question
Arlene B. of Mississauga says: I don't understand why the number of women who get breast cancer goes up after the age of 50, when at that age most women are going through menopause and the estrogen level is greatly decreased.
Sue Wright
You're right. This does seem like a paradox. But the estrogen that fuels breast cancer cells is processed in a different way from the estrogen that is used for menstruation.
Question
Brian of Courtice says: Hi Sue - are there any support programs for husbands of cancer patients?
Sue Wright
Brian, there are very few traditional support systems for men. There should be more. A lot depends on where you're located. If you call Willow, we'll be happy to try to help.
Sue Wright
We're almost done. Any more questions?
Question
Cathy from Toronto: how long can you take Tamoxifen safely?
Sue Wright
It is recommended that you take it for not more than five years. It has shown to be detrimental after that time.
Thanks very much for your questions. You can also get more information at Willow
Sue Wright
Outreach Coordinator
Willow Breast Cancer Support & Resource Services
1-888-778-3100
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