Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Governor of California
January 1995
(5th Printing, April 2000)
This booklet provided to you by:
A
WOMANS
GUIDE
TO
BREAST
CANCER
DIAGNOSIS
AND
TREATMENT
Developed by the California
Department of Health Services
Breast Cancer
Early Detection Program
TABLE
OF
C ONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Breast Biopsy
3 Making a Decision
4 About Breast Cancer
................................................................... 1
................................................................. 2
.......................................................... 5
Surgery .................................................................. 12
Radiation Therapy ................................................ 16
Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy ................ 17
Breast Reconstruction ........................................... 20
6
7 Helpful Information
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, 1010 Wayne Avenue, 5th Floor, Silver
Spring, MD 20910, (301) 650-8868. Promotes the awareness of cancer survivorship
by peer support and information.
National Womens Health Network, 514 10th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005,
(202) 347-1140. Provides newsletters and position papers on womens health topics.
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Komen Help Line, 1-800-462-9273.
Dedicated to advancing research, education, screening, and treatment of breast cancer.
Womens Information Network (WIN) Against Breast Cancer, 19325 E. Navilla
Place, Covina, CA 91723-3244, (626) 332-2255, Fax (626) 332-2585,
email: winabc@flash.net. Provides educational information on breast cancer
treatment, support, and resources to physicians and survivors.
YWCA of the USA/Encore Plus, 624 9th Street NW, 3rd floor, Washington, D.C.,
20001, (202) 628-3636. Contact the national headquarters for the location of a group
near you. Provides support and rehabilitative exercises for women with breast cancer.
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Hotline, 1-800-221-2141. Cancer survivor volunteers share
personal experiences on everything from treatment information to emotional recovery.
Local branches also provide wig and prosthesis bank. Contact group for local chapters.
5 Treatment Options
Breast Reconstruction
Breast Implant Hotline of the Food and Drug Administration, 1-800-532-4400.
American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, 444 E. Algonquin Rd.,
Arlington Heights, IL 60005, 1-800-635-0635. A list of 5 certified plastic and
reconstructive surgeons in your area will be mailed upon request.
95-1
Lymphedema
National Lymphedema Network, 2211 Post St., Ste. 404, San Francisco, CA 94115,
1-800-541-3259. Provides complete information on prevention and treatment
of lymphedema.
29
1 INTRODUCTION
The State of California requires that your doctor give you this brochure if you are
about to have a breast biopsy or have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
You may be going through all kinds of feelings. You may be worried and anxious.
You may be in shock or feel alone. It may be hard for you to concentrate. These
reactions are normal.
The hope is that this booklet will prove to be a valuable guide. It is intended to
help you become a partner in making choices with your health care team. These
tips may make it easier for you to use this booklet:
Read the material as you need it. If you are about to get a biopsy, only read
the section on Breast Biopsy. You may feel better finding out that most breast
lumps are not cancer.
If you already have been diagnosed with cancer, have a friend or someone on
your health care team read this booklet along with you. Or have them read it
and discuss the material with them when you are ready.
The medical words that you hear as you go through biopsy and treatment are
used in this brochure. Knowing the meaning of the words that you are hearing
can help you understand what is happening and make informed choices.
Remember, there is no one right treatment for every woman. New options
are available today that were not offered even a few years ago.
As you go through the diagnosis and treatment processes, you may find it
helpful to write out questions before you meet with your doctor. Some of the
questions you may want to ask are in the side margins of this brochure. (You
may also want to tape record information that is given to you. Consider asking
a friend or family member to come with you during health care appointments.)
Breast Cancer Consultation Service, 450 Stanyan St., San Francisco, CA 94117,
(415) 750-5848, Fax (415) 750-8123. Self-referral service specializing in second
opinions and diagnosis of in situ cancers. Cost depends on extent of review. Fees
may be covered by insurance. Sliding scale exists.
California Breast Cancer Organizations (CABCO), 555 W. Beech St. #452, San
Diego, CA 92101, (619) 239-9283. A statewide coalition of breast cancer advocacy
groups; members support legislation on breast cancer issues, increase awareness of breast
cancer, and provide support and education. Contact group for local organizations.
Mary-Helen Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer, 1707 L St., NW, Ste. 1060,
Washington, DC 20036, (202) 332-5536, Fax (202) 265-6854.
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO), 9 E. 37th St., 10th Floor,
New York, NY 10016, (212) 889-0606, Fax (212) 689-1213. National coalition of breast
cancer organizations; supplies fact sheets, articles, and a newsletter on topics of breast cancer.
National Breast Cancer Coalition, 1707 L Street NW, Suite 1060, Washington, DC
20036, (202) 296-7477. A national advocacy group that lobbies for increased
research funding, access to medical services, and education.
28
1-800-4-CANCER
2 BREAST BIOPSY
When you discover a lump or other change in your breast,
it is important to find out what it is. It is normal to be
alarmed. But you have reasons to be reassured:
27
WORDS TO KNOW
Anesthesia: drugs given before and
during surgery so you wont feel the
surgery. You may be awake or asleep.
Lymph nodes: part of the lymph system that removes wastes from body
tissues and filters the fluids that help
the body fight infection. Lymph nodes
in the armpit are usually removed to
determine the stage of breast cancer.
Malignant: cancer.
Core Biopsy
Anesthesia
Surgical Biopsies
An incisional biopsy removes only a portion of the
lump. An excisional biopsy removes the entire lump.
You will have a scar on your breast, which will heal with
time. There may be some change in the shape or size of
your breast.
Fine
Needle
Aspiration
Core
Biopsy
Incisional
Biopsy
Excisional
Biopsy
26
Questions to Ask
Your Doctor
7 HELPFUL INFORMATION
This brochure is one starting point to help you understand your diagnosis
and treatment options. To get up-to-the-minute information on the
changes taking place in breast cancer treatment and research and for
insights into treatments or studies that are now in progress, call the
toll-free telephone number:
1-800-4- CANCER.
This number puts you in contact with the Cancer Information Service,
operated by the National Cancer Institute. Trained cancer specialists,
who speak English and Spanish, can:
Clinical Trials
People who join clinical trials have a chance to benefit from new research
and to make a contribution to medical science. Each study is designed to
answer a scientific question on how to prevent, detect, or treat cancer.
Studies place a portion of the patients in a control group. These study
participants receive the standard treatment so that their results can be
compared with those of participants who receive the new treatment. During
the trial, you may not know in which group you have been placed. Clinical
trials take time. Until a trial is over, the true value of the new treatment
will not be known. There may also be unknown side effects. If you are
thinking about joining a clinical trial, you will receive written material that
will help you decide whether to join. You can quit the trial at any time.
25
Cancer
who have had breast cancer. You may want to talk to the
friend or family member who can just listen and allow you to
sort out your feelings without giving any advice.
3 MAKING A DECISION
Complementary Therapies
Persons living with cancer sometimes want to explore
complementary therapies in addition to their medical
treatment. These therapies are often not proven by
scientific studies. Some women feel that they have
benefited from some of these therapies.
Complementary therapies include acupuncture, herbs,
biofeedback, visualization, meditation, yoga, nutritional
supplements, and vitamins. If you decide to try these
therapies, discuss the side effects and data on their value
with your doctors. Also be aware that these therapies may
be expensive and most are not paid for by health insurance.
Call 1-800-4-CANCER or breast cancer organizations for information and support groups near you.
24
You should not feel guilty. You have not done anything
wrong in your life that caused breast cancer.
6 EMOTIONAL HEALING
It is normal to have trouble coping with a diagnosis of breast
cancer. Some women feel fear, anger, denial, frustration, loss
of control, confusion, and grief. Others feel lonely, isolated,
and depressed. Women also have to deal with issues about
their self-image, future priorities, sexuality, and possible death.
Each woman has to deal with these issues and her diagnosis
of cancer in her own way and on her own time schedule.
Many women find that it helps to talk about their feelings
with their loved ones or close friends. When you reach
out, you are giving loved ones and friends the chance to
show their support during this difficult time.
As much as you feel comfortable, talk about your concerns
with members of your health care team. Many women are
helped by talking about their feelings with other women
23
not found early, you still have choices. Because there are
new ways to treat breast cancer, it is more important than
ever for you to learn all you can. Working with a team of
specialists, you play a key role in choosing your treatment.
New breast
Muscle
used
New
nipple
Incisions
Rectus
abdominis
muscle
flap
Skin
and fatty
tissue
This flap of muscle, skin, and fatty tissue is moved, still connected
to its blood supply. It is shaped to form a new breast.
What You
Should Know
Most women who have
breast reconstruction are
happy with their decision.
A woman starting this
process, however, should
know that it is seldom
finished with one surgery.
Extra steps may include:
Adding a nipple.
Surgery on the
opposite breast to
create a good match.
Refinements in
the shape of the
rebuilt breast.
Muscle, fat, and skin from another part of the body can
be moved to the chest area, where it is shaped into the
form of a breast. This tissue can be taken from the:
22
STAGING
Stage 0
Stage I
Stage II
OF
BREAST CANCER
Stage III
Ribs
Ribs
Muscle
Muscle
Skin
Questions
to Ask Your
Plastic Surgeon
Which type of
surgery will give me
the best result?
Implant
Incision
Skin
Nipple
Implant
Stage IV
* Cm. means centimeters. One inch equals 2.5 centimeters. Inches listed above
are not exact measurements.
After Mastectomy
21
What You
Should Know
Discuss information
on implants with:
A plastic surgeon(s).
The American
Cancer Society,
1-800-ACS-2345.
Breast implant
groups and other
women who have
had reconstruction.
Breast Reconstruction
Tumor Sizes
5 centimeters
4 centimeters
3 centimeters
2 centimeters
1 centimeter
20
Survival Rates
When cancer is detected early, five-year survival rates are
very high. Almost all women with Stage 0 cancer will
have a normal lifespan. Five-year survival rates are as
high as 95% when the cancers in Stage 1 are smaller than
one centimeter. Even when a cancer falls into a Stage II
category, five-year survival rates are close to 70%.
Tumor size. The larger your tumor, the higher your risk.
Questions to Ask
Your Doctor
Do I have a type of
cancer that should
be treated at a specialized center?
In Situ Cancers
Because of the success of x-ray mammography, tiny growths
are being discovered that raise concerns about a womans
risk of developing breast cancer. These growths are called
carcinoma in situ or noninvasive cancer. Today 15% to 20%
of breast cancers fall into this category. Two types exist:
Will a pathologist
with experience in
diagnosing in situ
cancer read my
slide? Does the
doctor read a high
volume of breast
cancer slides?
10
Bathe daily, wash hands often, and follow good mouth care.
Hormone Therapy
Tests are routinely done on breast cancer cells to decide
if the cancer is sensitive to natural hormones (estrogen
or progesterone) in the body. If the tests find that the
cancer is positive, it means that cancer cells may grow
when these hormones are present in a tumor. You may be
given a hormone blocker (a drug called tamoxifen) that
will prevent your bodys natural hormones from reaching
the cancer. These drugs are taken daily in pill form.
Possible problems: Hot flashes, nausea, vaginal spotting.
Less common side effects include depression, vaginal itching,
bleeding or discharge, loss of appetite, headache, and weight
gain. Studies show that there is a slight increased risk of
uterine cancer and blood clots for women on this drug.
You should have an annual pelvic exam and notify your
doctor if you are taking tamoxifen.
19
Questions to Ask
Your Doctor
Am I at high risk
for cancer to
come back?
Managing Nausea
Feeling nauseous, or
as though you have to
vomit, is a common side
effect of chemotherapy.
The following suggestions may help:
Eat popsicles,
gelatin desserts,
cream of wheat,
oatmeal, baked potatoes, and fruit juices
mixed with water.
Second Opinions
Want to confirm
your diagnosis
or treatment.
Feel uncomfortable
with your doctor.
Before you start your therapy, you may want to have your
hair cut short, buy a wig, hat, or scarves that you can wear
while you are going through treatment. Also, finish dental
work before starting your therapy. You cannot have dental
work during chemotherapy because you are more prone to
infections.
18
2
11
To get a second
opinion:
Talk to women in
breast cancer organizations or to women
who have been
through the same
experience.
5 TREATMENT OPTIONS
Surgery
Most women who have breast cancer today are diagnosed
with Stage 0, I, or II breast cancer. Many of these women
will live a long life. Most of these women can choose:
Mastectomy.
Lumpectomy
Questions to Ask
Your Doctor
How successful is
this treatment for
the type of cancer
I have?
Can I work
while Im having
chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy
Lymph nodes
removed
12
17
Radiation Therapy
In most cases, a lumpectomy is followed by radiation
therapy. High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells
that might still be present in the breast tissue.
Thoughts to
Remember about
Radiation Therapy
The radiation is
delivered to a small
areayour treated
breast.
Mastectomy
A mastectomythe surgical removal of the breast
used to be the only treatment for breast cancer. Today a
woman who has a mastectomy is likely to have either:
16
13
Questions to Ask
Your Doctor
How much
breast tissue
will be removed?
Lymph
nodes
removed
Incision
Incision
Breast removed
Breast removed
Total Mastectomy
To avoid lymphedema
or to protect your arm
after treatment:
Avoid sunburns
and burns to the
arm or hand.
Use an electric
razor for shaving
underarms.
Wear gloves to
protect your hands
when gardening and
when using strong
detergents.
Avoid wearing
tight jewelry on
your affected arm
or elastic cuffs
on blouses and
nightgowns.
Decide to do neither.
14
15
Lymph
nodes
removed
Incision
Incision
Breast removed
Breast removed
Total Mastectomy
To avoid lymphedema
or to protect your arm
after treatment:
Avoid sunburns
and burns to the
arm or hand.
Use an electric
razor for shaving
underarms.
Wear gloves to
protect your hands
when gardening and
when using strong
detergents.
Avoid wearing
tight jewelry on
your affected arm
or elastic cuffs
on blouses and
nightgowns.
Decide to do neither.
14
15
Radiation Therapy
In most cases, a lumpectomy is followed by radiation
therapy. High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells
that might still be present in the breast tissue.
Thoughts to
Remember about
Radiation Therapy
The radiation is
delivered to a small
areayour treated
breast.
Mastectomy
A mastectomythe surgical removal of the breast
used to be the only treatment for breast cancer. Today a
woman who has a mastectomy is likely to have either:
16
13
Questions to Ask
Your Doctor
How much
breast tissue
will be removed?
5 TREATMENT OPTIONS
Surgery
Most women who have breast cancer today are diagnosed
with Stage 0, I, or II breast cancer. Many of these women
will live a long life. Most of these women can choose:
Mastectomy.
Lumpectomy
Questions to Ask
Your Doctor
How successful is
this treatment for
the type of cancer
I have?
Can I work
while Im having
chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy
Lymph nodes
removed
12
17
Managing Nausea
Feeling nauseous, or
as though you have to
vomit, is a common side
effect of chemotherapy.
The following suggestions may help:
Eat popsicles,
gelatin desserts,
cream of wheat,
oatmeal, baked potatoes, and fruit juices
mixed with water.
Second Opinions
Want to confirm
your diagnosis
or treatment.
Feel uncomfortable
with your doctor.
Before you start your therapy, you may want to have your
hair cut short, buy a wig, hat, or scarves that you can wear
while you are going through treatment. Also, finish dental
work before starting your therapy. You cannot have dental
work during chemotherapy because you are more prone to
infections.
18
2
11
To get a second
opinion:
Talk to women in
breast cancer organizations or to women
who have been
through the same
experience.
Questions to Ask
Your Doctor
Do I have a type of
cancer that should
be treated at a specialized center?
In Situ Cancers
Because of the success of x-ray mammography, tiny growths
are being discovered that raise concerns about a womans
risk of developing breast cancer. These growths are called
carcinoma in situ or noninvasive cancer. Today 15% to 20%
of breast cancers fall into this category. Two types exist:
Will a pathologist
with experience in
diagnosing in situ
cancer read my
slide? Does the
doctor read a high
volume of breast
cancer slides?
10
Bathe daily, wash hands often, and follow good mouth care.
Hormone Therapy
Tests are routinely done on breast cancer cells to decide
if the cancer is sensitive to natural hormones (estrogen
or progesterone) in the body. If the tests find that the
cancer is positive, it means that cancer cells may grow
when these hormones are present in a tumor. You may be
given a hormone blocker (a drug called tamoxifen) that
will prevent your bodys natural hormones from reaching
the cancer. These drugs are taken daily in pill form.
Possible problems: Hot flashes, nausea, vaginal spotting.
Less common side effects include depression, vaginal itching,
bleeding or discharge, loss of appetite, headache, and weight
gain. Studies show that there is a slight increased risk of
uterine cancer and blood clots for women on this drug.
You should have an annual pelvic exam and notify your
doctor if you are taking tamoxifen.
19
Questions to Ask
Your Doctor
Am I at high risk
for cancer to
come back?
What You
Should Know
Discuss information
on implants with:
A plastic surgeon(s).
The American
Cancer Society,
1-800-ACS-2345.
Breast implant
groups and other
women who have
had reconstruction.
Breast Reconstruction
Tumor Sizes
5 centimeters
4 centimeters
3 centimeters
2 centimeters
1 centimeter
20
Survival Rates
When cancer is detected early, five-year survival rates are
very high. Almost all women with Stage 0 cancer will
have a normal lifespan. Five-year survival rates are as
high as 95% when the cancers in Stage 1 are smaller than
one centimeter. Even when a cancer falls into a Stage II
category, five-year survival rates are close to 70%.
Tumor size. The larger your tumor, the higher your risk.
STAGING
Stage 0
Stage I
Stage II
OF
BREAST CANCER
Stage III
Ribs
Ribs
Muscle
Muscle
Skin
Questions
to Ask Your
Plastic Surgeon
Which type of
surgery will give me
the best result?
Implant
Incision
Skin
Nipple
Implant
Stage IV
* Cm. means centimeters. One inch equals 2.5 centimeters. Inches listed above
are not exact measurements.
After Mastectomy
21
not found early, you still have choices. Because there are
new ways to treat breast cancer, it is more important than
ever for you to learn all you can. Working with a team of
specialists, you play a key role in choosing your treatment.
New breast
Muscle
used
New
nipple
Incisions
Rectus
abdominis
muscle
flap
Skin
and fatty
tissue
This flap of muscle, skin, and fatty tissue is moved, still connected
to its blood supply. It is shaped to form a new breast.
What You
Should Know
Most women who have
breast reconstruction are
happy with their decision.
A woman starting this
process, however, should
know that it is seldom
finished with one surgery.
Extra steps may include:
Adding a nipple.
Surgery on the
opposite breast to
create a good match.
Refinements in
the shape of the
rebuilt breast.
Muscle, fat, and skin from another part of the body can
be moved to the chest area, where it is shaped into the
form of a breast. This tissue can be taken from the:
22
You should not feel guilty. You have not done anything
wrong in your life that caused breast cancer.
6 EMOTIONAL HEALING
It is normal to have trouble coping with a diagnosis of breast
cancer. Some women feel fear, anger, denial, frustration, loss
of control, confusion, and grief. Others feel lonely, isolated,
and depressed. Women also have to deal with issues about
their self-image, future priorities, sexuality, and possible death.
Each woman has to deal with these issues and her diagnosis
of cancer in her own way and on her own time schedule.
Many women find that it helps to talk about their feelings
with their loved ones or close friends. When you reach
out, you are giving loved ones and friends the chance to
show their support during this difficult time.
As much as you feel comfortable, talk about your concerns
with members of your health care team. Many women are
helped by talking about their feelings with other women
23
Cancer
who have had breast cancer. You may want to talk to the
friend or family member who can just listen and allow you to
sort out your feelings without giving any advice.
3 MAKING A DECISION
Complementary Therapies
Persons living with cancer sometimes want to explore
complementary therapies in addition to their medical
treatment. These therapies are often not proven by
scientific studies. Some women feel that they have
benefited from some of these therapies.
Complementary therapies include acupuncture, herbs,
biofeedback, visualization, meditation, yoga, nutritional
supplements, and vitamins. If you decide to try these
therapies, discuss the side effects and data on their value
with your doctors. Also be aware that these therapies may
be expensive and most are not paid for by health insurance.
Call 1-800-4-CANCER or breast cancer organizations for information and support groups near you.
24
Questions to Ask
Your Doctor
7 HELPFUL INFORMATION
This brochure is one starting point to help you understand your diagnosis
and treatment options. To get up-to-the-minute information on the
changes taking place in breast cancer treatment and research and for
insights into treatments or studies that are now in progress, call the
toll-free telephone number:
1-800-4- CANCER.
This number puts you in contact with the Cancer Information Service,
operated by the National Cancer Institute. Trained cancer specialists,
who speak English and Spanish, can:
Clinical Trials
People who join clinical trials have a chance to benefit from new research
and to make a contribution to medical science. Each study is designed to
answer a scientific question on how to prevent, detect, or treat cancer.
Studies place a portion of the patients in a control group. These study
participants receive the standard treatment so that their results can be
compared with those of participants who receive the new treatment. During
the trial, you may not know in which group you have been placed. Clinical
trials take time. Until a trial is over, the true value of the new treatment
will not be known. There may also be unknown side effects. If you are
thinking about joining a clinical trial, you will receive written material that
will help you decide whether to join. You can quit the trial at any time.
25
WORDS TO KNOW
Anesthesia: drugs given before and
during surgery so you wont feel the
surgery. You may be awake or asleep.
Lymph nodes: part of the lymph system that removes wastes from body
tissues and filters the fluids that help
the body fight infection. Lymph nodes
in the armpit are usually removed to
determine the stage of breast cancer.
Malignant: cancer.
Core Biopsy
Anesthesia
Surgical Biopsies
An incisional biopsy removes only a portion of the
lump. An excisional biopsy removes the entire lump.
You will have a scar on your breast, which will heal with
time. There may be some change in the shape or size of
your breast.
Fine
Needle
Aspiration
Core
Biopsy
Incisional
Biopsy
Excisional
Biopsy
26
2 BREAST BIOPSY
When you discover a lump or other change in your breast,
it is important to find out what it is. It is normal to be
alarmed. But you have reasons to be reassured:
27
1 INTRODUCTION
The State of California requires that your doctor give you this brochure if you are
about to have a breast biopsy or have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
You may be going through all kinds of feelings. You may be worried and anxious.
You may be in shock or feel alone. It may be hard for you to concentrate. These
reactions are normal.
The hope is that this booklet will prove to be a valuable guide. It is intended to
help you become a partner in making choices with your health care team. These
tips may make it easier for you to use this booklet:
Read the material as you need it. If you are about to get a biopsy, only read
the section on Breast Biopsy. You may feel better finding out that most breast
lumps are not cancer.
If you already have been diagnosed with cancer, have a friend or someone on
your health care team read this booklet along with you. Or have them read it
and discuss the material with them when you are ready.
The medical words that you hear as you go through biopsy and treatment are
used in this brochure. Knowing the meaning of the words that you are hearing
can help you understand what is happening and make informed choices.
Remember, there is no one right treatment for every woman. New options
are available today that were not offered even a few years ago.
As you go through the diagnosis and treatment processes, you may find it
helpful to write out questions before you meet with your doctor. Some of the
questions you may want to ask are in the side margins of this brochure. (You
may also want to tape record information that is given to you. Consider asking
a friend or family member to come with you during health care appointments.)
Breast Cancer Consultation Service, 450 Stanyan St., San Francisco, CA 94117,
(415) 750-5848, Fax (415) 750-8123. Self-referral service specializing in second
opinions and diagnosis of in situ cancers. Cost depends on extent of review. Fees
may be covered by insurance. Sliding scale exists.
California Breast Cancer Organizations (CABCO), 555 W. Beech St. #452, San
Diego, CA 92101, (619) 239-9283. A statewide coalition of breast cancer advocacy
groups; members support legislation on breast cancer issues, increase awareness of breast
cancer, and provide support and education. Contact group for local organizations.
Mary-Helen Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer, 1707 L St., NW, Ste. 1060,
Washington, DC 20036, (202) 332-5536, Fax (202) 265-6854.
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO), 9 E. 37th St., 10th Floor,
New York, NY 10016, (212) 889-0606, Fax (212) 689-1213. National coalition of breast
cancer organizations; supplies fact sheets, articles, and a newsletter on topics of breast cancer.
National Breast Cancer Coalition, 1707 L Street NW, Suite 1060, Washington, DC
20036, (202) 296-7477. A national advocacy group that lobbies for increased
research funding, access to medical services, and education.
28
1-800-4-CANCER
TABLE
OF
C ONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Breast Biopsy
3 Making a Decision
4 About Breast Cancer
................................................................... 1
................................................................. 2
.......................................................... 5
Surgery .................................................................. 12
Radiation Therapy ................................................ 16
Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy ................ 17
Breast Reconstruction ........................................... 20
6
7 Helpful Information
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, 1010 Wayne Avenue, 5th Floor, Silver
Spring, MD 20910, (301) 650-8868. Promotes the awareness of cancer survivorship
by peer support and information.
National Womens Health Network, 514 10th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005,
(202) 347-1140. Provides newsletters and position papers on womens health topics.
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Komen Help Line, 1-800-462-9273.
Dedicated to advancing research, education, screening, and treatment of breast cancer.
Womens Information Network (WIN) Against Breast Cancer, 19325 E. Navilla
Place, Covina, CA 91723-3244, (626) 332-2255, Fax (626) 332-2585,
email: winabc@flash.net. Provides educational information on breast cancer
treatment, support, and resources to physicians and survivors.
YWCA of the USA/Encore Plus, 624 9th Street NW, 3rd floor, Washington, D.C.,
20001, (202) 628-3636. Contact the national headquarters for the location of a group
near you. Provides support and rehabilitative exercises for women with breast cancer.
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Hotline, 1-800-221-2141. Cancer survivor volunteers share
personal experiences on everything from treatment information to emotional recovery.
Local branches also provide wig and prosthesis bank. Contact group for local chapters.
5 Treatment Options
Breast Reconstruction
Breast Implant Hotline of the Food and Drug Administration, 1-800-532-4400.
American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, 444 E. Algonquin Rd.,
Arlington Heights, IL 60005, 1-800-635-0635. A list of 5 certified plastic and
reconstructive surgeons in your area will be mailed upon request.
95-1
Lymphedema
National Lymphedema Network, 2211 Post St., Ste. 404, San Francisco, CA 94115,
1-800-541-3259. Provides complete information on prevention and treatment
of lymphedema.
29
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
January 1995
(5th Printing, April 2000)
This booklet provided to you by:
A
WOMANS
GUIDE
TO
BREAST
CANCER
DIAGNOSIS
AND
TREATMENT
Developed by the California
Department of Health Services
Breast Cancer
Early Detection Program