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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my breast cancer be cured?
A: No. At present, the best you can hope to achieve is what the medical industry calls
"no evidence of disease." Beware of any claims that you can "be cured of breast cancer,"
because the fact is there is still no cure for breast cancer. You must live with this
truth—but live with it you can, for as the medical industry develops new and better weapons
in the fight against breast cancer, women are living disease-free longer than ever before.
Q: What are the chances of recurrence?
A: Presently, there is no way to accurately predict the chances of recurrence. However,
one thing is certain: there is no way to prevent it, so beware of any claims that you can
"prevent recurrence." Once again, this a truth with which you must learn to live.
Q: I hear conflicting information on the usefulness and reliability of mammograms.
What is the truth?
A: While mammograms are far from perfect, they are still a very useful tool in detecting
cancer. As the technology improves with each passing year, cancer is being detected earlier,
thus improving the chances of survival.
Q: Are there different kinds of breast cancer?
A: Yes, there are many different kinds, and the type of cancer you have will affect its
treatment. Some are very rare and difficult to treat. The only way to determine what kind
you have is through a full examination and a biopsy.
Q: What is a biopsy?
A: A biopsy is a tiny sample of tissue surgically removed from the detected mass. It is
used to determine, first, if the mass is malignant, and second, what form of cancer it is.
More questions will be answered soon. |
