Few diagnoses are more upsetting
to a woman than hearing she has
breast cancer. Yet, while it is true
that breast cancer is the second
leading cause of cancer death in
women, after lung cancer, there is
growing hope. That’s because breast
cancer deaths are declining.
Why? Most likely, it’s the result of
earlier detection and improved
treatment, according to the
American Cancer Society. In fact,
there are now more than two million
women living in the United
States who have been treated for
breast cancer. More than 90 percent
of breast cancers are now diagnosed
at localized and regional stages, for
which the five-year survival rates
are 97 percent and 79 percent,
respectively.
That’s why it’s so important to
examine your breasts regularly and
get regular mammograms and clinical
breast exams by your doctor.
Most women with breast cancer
have some type of surgery.
For the majority with stage 1 or
2 breast cancer, breast conservation
therapy—a combination of a lumpectomy
that removes a quarter
or more of the breast with later
radiation therapy—is as effective
as a mastectomy, which removes
the entire breast.
Consider reconstruction surgery
If you have a mastectomy, you can
choose to have breast reconstruction
surgery, either at the same
time as the mastectomy or later.
If you want the procedure done
immediately, the American Cancer
Society says it is important to
consult with a plastic surgeon
who is an expert in breast
reconstruction surgery.
You are covered for reconstruction
of the breast on which the mastectomy
was performed, as well
as surgery and reconstruction
on the other breast to produce
a symmetrical appearance. In
addition, your health plan covers
prosthesis and treatment of
physical complications at all stages
of the mastectomy, including
lymphedemas. The manner of
procedure is determined in
consultation between you and
the attending physician. Coverage
is subject to the regular requirements
of your plan.
Don’t go it alone
If you have breast cancer,
contact the American Cancer
Society. “We can match a woman
to a volunteer who is a breast
cancer survivor through our
Reach to Recovery program
because no one should have to
experience breast cancer alone,”
says Debbie Saslow, Ph.D.,
the ACS director of breast and
cervical cancer. “In most places
around the country, the ACS
also can provide information
about local support groups and
other services, whether through
ACS, local hospitals or other
organizations.”
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
(800) ACS-2345
