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Prognosis
Most women who are treated
for early breast cancer go on to live healthy, active lives.
You may have more choices of treatment if your breast cancer
is found early.
Treatments have changed over
time. Today, many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer
do not have to lose a breast. Because there are improved ways
to treat breast cancer, it is more important than ever for you
to learn all you can. Working with your team of medical
specialists, you can play a key role in choosing the treatment
that is best for you.
Once your doctor has determined your specific type and
stage of breast cancer, you can begin to plan for your
treatment and recovery.
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Risk Factors
for Recurrence
Your chance
of surviving breast cancer will also depend upon your risk
for return of cancer after treatment is completed. Some
women are at higher risk for the spread or return of breast
cancer. In many cases, doctors can't explain why one patient
stays well and another does not. Remember, the risk factors
for recurrence are complex. They are not absolute
predictions of your future health. Some factors that affect
the spread or the recurrence of breast cancer are:
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Tumor
size: The
smaller your tumor, the lower the risk.
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Lymph
nodes:
The fewer underarm lymph nodes that have cancer, the
lower your risk.
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Cell
growth:
Cancer cells that grow slowly are linked to a lower
risk.
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Hormones: If
a tumor depends on hormones for growth, hormonal therapy
can lower the risk of cancer spread or recurrence.
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TREATMENT TEAM
Once
your doctor has all the specific information about your breast
cancer, you will talk about all the treatments considered
appropriate for your case. No one doctor is able to provide
all the care and services you may need, and you will quickly
learn about new people who will be on your treatment team.
Some of the medical experts who may be part of your treatment
team are:
Anesthesiologist:
a doctor who gives drugs or gases that keep you comfortable
during surgery. Gynecologist: A doctor who specializes
in the care and treatment of women's reproductive systems.
This doctor or your primary care doctor can serve as the
manager and main source of information among your treatment
team members and you. Nutritionist or dietitian: a health
professional with specialized training in nutrition who can
offer help and choices about the foods you eat. Oncologist,
medical oncologist, or cancer specialist: a doctor who
uses chemotherapy or hormonal therapy to treat cancer. This
specialist can put together all the information about your
case and can discuss your treatment choices with you. Oncology
nurse: a nurse with special training in caring for
cancer patients. You may also receive care from a clinical
nurse specialist or nurse practitioner. Oncology pharmacy
specialist: a person who prepares anticancer drugs in
consultation with the oncologist and can answer your questions
about chemotherapy. Pathologist: a doctor who examines
tissues and cells under a microscope to determine if they are
normal or abnormal. Physical therapist: a health
professional who teaches exercises that help restore arm and
shoulder movement and build back strength after breast cancer
surgery. Plastic surgeon or reconstructive surgeon:
a doctor who can surgically rebuild (reconstruct) your breast.
Primary care doctor: the doctor who usually manages
your health care and can discuss cancer treatment choices with
you. Psychologist: a specialist who can talk with you
and your family about emotional and personal matters, and can
help you make decisions. Radiation oncologist: a
doctor who uses radiation therapy to treat cancer. Radiation
therapist: a health professional who gives radiation
treatments. Radiologist: a doctor with special training
in reading x-rays and performing specialized x-ray procedures.
Social worker: a professional who can talk with you and
your family about your emotional or physical needs and can
help you find support services. An oncology social worker has
specific training in working with cancer patients.
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