Question 1

Is Breast Cancer genetic?

Accepted Answer

So, in certain families, breast cancer might be related to genes that you inherited that might put you at higher risk for developing breast and other cancers. The most famous example of these genes is called BRCA, which many people are aware because of Angelina Jolie. And these genes make it much more likely, but not 100% certain that you will develop breast cancer. So, for patients that have a much higher risk, they may choose to have more radical treatments, such as having both breasts removed to help prevent development of breast cancer. To better understand your risk, and if you have many members of your family that have developed cancer, you might be recommended to have genetic testing to test for these genes, as well as others that we know are related to development of cancer.

Question 2

Why did I get Breast Cancer?

Accepted Answer

That's a really difficult question to answer, and unfortunately, breast cancer is still one of the most common cancers in the United States, and about one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. For most people, we can never identify a specific reason why they develop breast cancer. However, for some women, you might be at higher risk for developing breast cancer because of your family history, your exposure to certain chemicals, or your own personal history of previous breast biopsies.

Question 3

Can Breast Cancer be treated with just chemo and radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

At the current time, breast cancer cannot be treated with just chemo and radiation alone. Although there are some studies looking at this exact question for certain women that respond really well to chemotherapy. However, many patients can get breast cancer treatment without chemo or radiation. In fact, with specialized studies that were doing on people's tumors now called genomic testing, we found that many patients may not need chemotherapy, which is a great way to treat the cancer without suffering from the collateral damage.

Question 4

What is OncoPlastic Breast Surgery?

Accepted Answer

OncoPlastic techniques are new techniques that have been developed in the past decade or so to help patients that have breast cancer that might have in the past needed a mastectomy be able to save their breasts and, at the same time of the breast cancer treatment, get a breast reduction or breast lift. This helps treat the cancer by removing the cancer completely, and also leaves the patient with a good cosmetic outcome. So that way, they feel more whole and happier after the breast cancer treatment.

Question 5

What are some Breast Cancer self-exam tips?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing I tell my patients is to really be aware of what your breasts are like and how they change with your menstrual cycle. It's normal sometimes to feel small lumps that come and go with your menstrual cycle. But if you start to notice any changes in your breast, skin, or nipple or discharge that hasn't been there before, or any masses that pop up and don't go away, those are good times to call your doctor so that way you can get further evaluation and you’re your most important advocate. You're gonna notice any changes first, so you have to be aware of yourself, do your self-exams, and call your doctor with any questions.

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About Dr. Michaela Straznicka

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