DEAR EDITOR:

October is designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I have a sister and a daughter who are breast cancer survivors, and I lost my beloved wife, Joanie, to breast cancer. Also, as a surgeon, I’ve seen and operated on many women, ages 22 to 93, with breast cancer. These are extremes of the bell-shaped curve.

Because of my experience, I feel obligated to share my thoughts on breast cancer.

A few facts: One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. The earlier the diagnoses, the better the prognosis. A woman with stage 0 (zero) or one (1), should have excellent prognosis. A woman with stage four (4), will have poor prognosis.

Risk factors: Being a woman is the greatest risk. Lifestyle, which may include smoking, alcohol intake, obesity, no pregnancies or pregnancies after age 30, use of birth control medications or hormonal therapy after menopause are among risk factors. Family history of breast cancer, especially mother, sister or aunt, are risks that require special tests and treatment.

Diagnosis: Breast cancer is usually detected by routine and methodical self-examination, physical examination by a physician and various types of imaging, such as 3-D mammography, ultrasound, MRI and, in some centers, breast molecular imaging (BMI). Women who seek help only after they feel a lump usually have advanced disease. Prognosis depends on tumor size, spread, if any, and type of cancer. Breast cancers vary from very aggressive, to the very “lazy.”

Treatment: Recognized breast care centers usually have multidisciplinary teams, consisting of nurse navigator, who presents history and physical findings; radiologist, who discusses imaging findings and who has done a needle biopsy; pathologist, who discusses cellular type, activity or aggressiveness and hormonal receptors; surgeon, breast cancer expert; medical oncologist, who recommends appropriate chemotherapy, if needed; radiation oncologist and a geneticist, who decide whether patient needs to have genetic testing before treatment.

A consensus is then reached on best treatment specifically designed for that patient, that tumor, based on standards of American College of Surgeons and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

To the beautiful women of our Valley, for the sake of your children, grandchildren, spouses and those who love you, do a breast self-examination today or have a physician examination. If you are age 40 or older, seriously consider 3-D mammography. If you have a mother, sister or aunt with breast cancer, consider genetic counseling and possible testing, regardless of age. Remember, you are the anchor of the family. You are indispensable!

With best wishes for a safe, healthy and happy October.

RASHID ABDU, MD

Canfield