ImplantInfo provides this wrap-up for all the information published during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Download, print and keep - this information is all yours.
2. Breast Cancer Awareness Wrap Up
Content Overview
According to the American Cancer Society, in Family Ties: Genetics and Breast Implant that Could Deter Cancer
2011, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive Cancer
breast cancer —cancer that has spreads to Implants may offer new weapon in the fight
If you have a family history of breast cancer and/ against breast cancer. Researchers at Brown
surrounding breast tissue — were expected to be
diagnosed in U.S. women. For most women with or have tested positive for breast cancer gene University are working toward the development of
mutations, use that information as even more a breast implant where the surface would actually
breast cancer, treatment includes surgery
combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, incentive to take your breast health – and your deter the growth of cancer cells.
hormone therapy, and/or targeted therapy. family’s – seriously.
Do you want to learn more about early breast
But while the goal of a mastectomy (removal of BRA Day cancer detection with breast implants? Your breast
the breast tissue) is to remove the cells that caused cancer risk? Breast reconstruction? Discuss these
Studies have shown that 70 percent of women
breast cancer, it can leave the patient feeling topics with a caring, qualified, board-certified
don’t fully understand their reconstruction options.
insecure about her appearance. The solution then plastic surgeon who takes your need to know
BRA Day (breast reconstruction awareness) is an
is to undergo some form of breast reconstruction, seriously.
internationally recognized event in support of
either with tissue from her own body (autologous)
educating women on their port-mastectomy
or with a saline or silicone breast implant. Neither
options.
choice delays post-operative chemotherapy,
prolongs recovery, or hinders the diagnosis of Mammary Glands
local cancer recurrence.
Why are mammary glands prone to the
Cancer Detection with Breast development of cancer? The answer lies in the
Implants production of hormones.
Women with breast implants have different
breasts; therefore, the cancer screening is different.
Healthcare professionals, examiners and women
need to be aware of how breast implants can
impact a breast cancer screening test.
Wednesday, December 19, 12
3. Breast Cancer Awareness Wrap Up
Essentials
The human body is made up of trillions of living Through breast exams and early detection Early detection may even help you avoid late-stage
cells which regularly grow, replicate, divide and die. screenings, you can put yourself in a position to breast cancer altogether. The earlier you find
Cancer is the abnormal, rampant growth of cells in a minimize risk. You can do the following to take a something, the higher your chances of beating it.
specific area. The abnormal growth of the cells proactive approach to managing breast health with
The early detection of breast cancer may also
affect the surrounding tissues in the effected area. or without breast implants include:
eliminate a need for:
Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of the tissues
• Loss of breast tissue in one or both breasts
of the breast, specifically the ducts and lobules, • Self Exams – Perform monthly breast • Radiation treatment and/or chemotherapy
which primarily function to deliver milk.
self exams (see pointers below) • Otherwise avoidable pain and suffering
According to the American Cancer Society, breast
• Mammograms – Scheduled yearly at • Emotional and physical scarring
cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most 40+ or if there’s a family history of cancer
It’s also been said that bearing children before 30,
common cancer among women in the U.S. Current • Get Tested – Consider tests for BRCA1, making a 1.5 - 2 year commitment to breast feeding,
data has measured that: BRCA2 and other breast cancer genes and limiting estrogen or progesterone-based
• Hormones – Have your hormone levels contraceptives use can help. Consider tapering off
• nearly 1-in-8 women may experience checked, esp. estrogen and progesterone estrogen or progesterone-based hormone therapy
invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. after menopause, too.
• Lifestyle – Exercise regularly, maintain a
• breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of healthy weight, and limit alcohol and fat Women who regularly get mammograms and
cancer deaths among women intake perform self breast exams are said to have a 90
• breast cancer rates are declining due to percent chance of surviving breast cancer
better detection and treatment once it’s detected. That’s great incentive to do both,
right?
The American Cancer Society says there are 2.5
million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. The
organization itself has helped more than 4 million
women receive breast cancer screenings.
Wednesday, December 19, 12
4. Breast Cancer Awareness Wrap Up
Cancer Detection with Implants
Mammograms with Breast Implants Once you’ve found a facility that serves a high Be sure to get multiple vantage points during the
number of women with breast implants, make your mammogram so the results show a clear view of the
Dr. Sandhya Pruthi of the Mayo Clinic responded to implant status known. Mention them when breast tissue around the breast implant. Some
whether breast implants interfere with breast cancer
scheduling your appointment, when you arrive, and technicians specialize in or are highly skilled at
detection during a mammogram, saying when meeting your technician. performing breast implant mammograms.
Experienced technicians know to capture views
“Breast implants can obscure You should also ask for a technician who has which fall outside the scope of a standard
mammogram images... Still, studies experience working with women with implants. mammogram and focus on getting the best view for
show that mammograms are an Experienced technicians will make the experience the individual breast.
effective way to screen for breast more comfortable and reduce your risk for implant
cancer in women with breast rupture.
implants.”
Though implants might obscure images, there are a
number of ways you can ensure more accurate
results of a mammogram with breast implants. If
you don’t have implants yet, get a mammogram
prior to your surgery so you have a baseline for your
natural breasts.
If you already have implants and are going for your
first mammogram, ask around before scheduling.
Get recommendations from people you trust. While
you’re at it, go to the source! Ask your breast
augmentation plastic surgeon or his or her staff
members for a referral.
Wednesday, December 19, 12
5. Breast Cancer Awareness Wrap Up
Cancer Detection with Implants
Breast Self Exams with Breast Implants You can also increase your chances of detecting The Cristine Meredith Miele Foundation for breast
breast tissue abnormalities by performing monthly cancer research says to contact your doctor or
Mammograms are widely known to be more breast self exams: gynecologist right away if you notice lumps,
effective at detecting small, potentially cancerous
swelling, skin irritation, dimpling, nipple pain,
tumors than breast self exams and doctor’s office
• The best time to check is 3 days after your inward turning nipples, redness, scaliness or
breast tissue examinations. While neither takes the
period. discharge other than breast milk. Lumps can be on
place of a mammography screening, mammograms
are typically performed only once a year – maybe
• Feel your way slowly along each breast breasts or under arms.
and along each armpit Other unusual or abnormal circumstances to look for
not even that frequently depending on your age
(<40), family background or medical history. That’s • Don’t be afraid if you find a lump include:
why monthly self breast exams and clinical breast
(they’re not all cancerous). And with
exams matter. practice you’ll develop a sense for what • Breast tissue that feels thick
feels normal. • Discoloration of one or both breasts
Typically, professional breast exams are performed
annually by gynecologists on women who’ve
• Changes in the size or shape of your
breasts
reached 18 to 20 years of age. Statistics show that
more than 75 percent of suspicious, cancerous
• Changes in the feel of breast skin, areola
lumps were first detected by women during non-
or nipples
mammogram breast exams.
Wednesday, December 19, 12
6. Breast Cancer Awareness Wrap Up
Family Ties
Do you have, have you survived or has someone Sharing One Another’s Genes The Cristine Meredith Miele Foundation
else in your family been diagnosed with breast helps clarify, reporting that:
cancer? Do you wonder about hereditary breast As the National Cancer Institute reports, mutations
in BRCA1 and BRCA2 human genes have been
cancer?
linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The
• roughly 5 to 10 percent of all
Genetics can be a factor in the development of NCI says the risk for developing both cancers breast cancer is linked to a gene
breast cancer; therefore, it’s important to know how increases when the genes are inherited. A blood
genetics can increase your risk. Mothers and sample can reveal this predisposition in both men
mutation.
daughters with a family history of breast cancer – or and women. • BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are
who’ve had breast cancer themselves – need to
further their understanding of the disease. It’s important to note that the presence of such linked to the most common
mutations does not mean that you will definitely
mutations.
develop breast cancer. It does, however, give you an
indication of your risk level. How you manage that • these mutations may increase
risk should be decided in consultation with an
oncologist or other qualified health care
carriers’ lifetime risk to up to 80
professional. percent.
• other gene changes exist which also
increase breast cancer risk.
Wednesday, December 19, 12
7. Breast Cancer Awareness Wrap Up
Family Ties
Protecting Your Relationship and Your
Breasts
While breast cancer isn’t the most fun-loving topic,
you can take a light-hearted, mother-daughter
approach to learning more about it. In the process,
you’ll learn to support and encourage one another.
You’ll also share in the task of minimizing the
impact breast cancer has on your lives.
A few ways you can do that include:
• Scheduling mother-daughter mammograms
• Researching your family tree and its medical
history
• Get BRCA1 and BRCA2 blood testing
• Motivating each other to eat right, exercise and
live well
• Making and selling baked goods to benefit cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness Furthermore, the CMM Foundation found that
research
women’s chances of getting breast cancer increase
The CMM Foundation also reports that the risk for • Participating in fundraising events as a mother-
with age. That is, nearly 2 out of 3 women with
breast cancer is higher among women when close daughter team
invasive breast cancer are 55 or older when their
blood relatives have breast cancer. Both maternal
cancer is detected. That makes moms more likely to
and paternal relatives contribute to that risk – your
be diagnosed before their daughters are.
father’s aunt, your mother’s sister, etc. If your
The American Cancer Society says efforts aimed at
mother, sister or daughter has breast cancer, you’re
awareness, detection and treatment have greatly
said to be at higher risk.
reduced breast cancer rates. Strengthen your mother-
daughter bond and family ties by making a date to
research breast cancer, develop awareness and
reduce your risk together.
Wednesday, December 19, 12
8. Breast Cancer Awareness Wrap Up
BRA Day
Types of Breast Reconstruction Immediate reconstruction is also an important
coping mechanism associated with improved quality
There are several options available to women post of life and a reduced risk of depression. According
mastectomy. The three main breast reconstruction
to the American Association for Cancer Research,
options include: undergoing immediate breast reconstruction after
• breast augmentation with a silicone gel implant. mastectomy “improves psychological well-being
• fat grafting. and provides women with improved body image and
• a procedure that combines both augmentation self-esteem compared with delaying the procedure.”
using an implant along with fat grafting.
Delayed reconstruction can be performed several
Selecting a Reconstruction Technique months or even years after the cancer treatment or
mastectomy takes place. After radiation therapy,
A surgeon will first examine the breast tissue and
most doctors suggest a patient should wait 6-9
discuss the patient’s goal to ultimately recommend
months to allow for the chest skin to heal before
the best option. The following all play a role in the
surgery.
reconstruction option: size and shape of breast,
percent of tissue removed, amount of available How Safe is Breast Reconstruction?
donor tissue and other treatments.
Most women, 70 percent, are not aware of the breast
Breast reconstruction is a safe surgery with a low
reconstruction options available following a When Can Reconstruction Take Place? occurrence of side effects. However, there are
mastectomy. The decision to get a complete
always risks involved when undergoing any surgery.
mastectomy is both challenging and emotional. But, Reconstruction can either take place immediately or
The possible risks associated with breast
there are reconstruction options that can help months to years after the mastectomy. Immediate
reconstruction include: bleeding, infection, poor
mastectomy patients feel whole again. reconstruction is a safe surgical method that is
healing of incisions and anesthesia risks.
shown to be highly beneficial to a woman’s self-
esteem. Undergoing reconstruction right away
doesn’t delay cancer treatment and has low risks and
complications. It can have improved cosmetic
outcomes, a shorter recovery time, and decreased
costs.
Wednesday, December 19, 12
9. Breast Cancer Awareness Wrap Up
BRA Day
How Will My Reconstructed Breast Where will My Surgery Be Performed?
Look and Feel ?
Most commonly, surgery for reconstruction will be
With reconstruction, there is a possibility of loss of preformed in a hospital setting. Your doctor will
sensitivity, along with obvious most likely use general anesthesia; therefore, you
visual changes. There will be scaring and the should expect a short hospital stay. Follow-up
potential for post-surgery asymmetry. procedures may take place on an outpatient basis, in
which anesthesia and sedation are a possibility.
Although there may be some negatives that come
with reconstruction, the benefits are immeasurable.
Because the size and shape has changed, your breast
will look and feel different. You clothes and bras
will fit differently, too. But, even with adjusting to
your new shape, studies have show that women who
undergo reconstruction feel more feminine.
Regaining this femininity and wholeness has shown
to help women with breast cancer start to re-build.
How Much will Reconstruction Cost?
The price of reconstructive surgery will vary based
on the specific doctor, geographic location of the
practice and level of insurance coverage. The
Federal Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of
1998 contains important protections for women with
breast cancer who want to undergo reconstruction.
Learn more about WHCRA.
Wednesday, December 19, 12
10. Breast Cancer Awareness Wrap Up
Why Mammary Glands
Mammary glands are called branched tubulo- What is Estrogen? Hormones Regulate Development
alveolar glands and primarily function for milk
production. They are collected in clusters that Estrogen actually refers to a class of hormones. The Starting around age 8, the female body goes through
key estrogen compounds are estradiol, estrone and natural hormonal changes that initiate the breast
branch out from the areola, the colored part of the
nipple. The starting point of the gland is the estriol. The majority of estrogen compounds are tissue to form and grow. During puberty, the ovaries
produced within the ovaries, though small quantities expand causing progesterone and estrogen
lactiferous sinus.
are secreted from the adrenal glands. The placenta production to increase. The estrogen present in the
Mammary glands are believed to be modified sweat and fat cells are created during pregnancy due to the body causes the cells that make up the breast to
glands, and they are present in all mammals, influx of the estrogen hormone. grow; therefore, the breasts develop into fully
females and males. Hormones present in the female functioning mammary glands by the end of puberty.
body, progesterone and estrogen, initiate the growth Growth of Mammary Glands
During pregnancy, mammary glands go through
and branching of the gland. To date, these are the
Men and women are both born with mammary
only two hormones proven to promote the growth of changes initiated by the additional hormones. In the
glands. However, mammary glands never start to first trimester, the areola darkens causing an
breast cancer cells.
form and branch in males due to the presence of
increased production of progesterone and estrogen
What is Progesterone? testosterone. Estrogen, on the other hand, promotes stimulating growth. During the second and third
the mammary cells to grow and develop into full
trimesters, the breasts are actually producing milk,
Progesterone is a precursor hormone that initiates functioning glands. which increases the size of the breast.
the production of other subsequent sex hormones.
Progesterone and estrogen are female sex hormones The natural response of the mammary glands to
Both estrogen and testosterone are among the sex
that regulate the the growth of mammary glands.
hormones that are affected by this initiation. progesterone and estrogen is to initiate immediate
Progesterone initiates the production of four cell growth. When cancerous cells are multiplying,
Studies show that naturally occurring progesterone hormones in the estrogen class. Estrogen initiates
both progesterone and estrogen promote the growth
does not increase your risk for breast cancer; the growth, division and branching of mammary of the malignant cells as well as healthy ones.
however, synthetic progestins, like those found in gland cells.
Thusly, the presence of progesterone and estrogen
birth control pills, are thought to increase the risk
inadvertently helps the cancer to grow.
for cancer.
Wednesday, December 19, 12
11. Breast Cancer Awareness Wrap Up
Implants that May Deter Cancer
Unfortunately, for about one-in-five breast cancer According to Thomas Webster, associate professor
survivors who have completed five years of of engineering and the corresponding author on the
adjuvant therapy (additional treatment after surgery paper in Nanotechnology, the implant design can at
to help prevent cancer from returning), breast cancer least decrease the cancerous cell functions without
returns within 10 years of their treatment, notes the requiring the use of chemotherapeutics, radiation, or
American Cancer Society. other processes. After one day, lab tests showed that
the 23-nanometer-peak surfaces had a 15-percent
But thanks to researchers at Brown University,
decrease in the production of a protein (VEGF)
breast reconstruction and treatment to inhibit breast
upon which endothelial breast-cancer cells depend,
cancer recurrence may be combined into one
compared to an implant surface with no surface
approach: a breast implant that may actually help
modification, as well as 15 percent more healthy
deter cancer cells from growing. The key lies in the
endothelial breast cells compared to normal surface.
surface of the implant, which was modified at the
nanoscale (dimensions one-billionth of a meter, or Webster, who together with graduate student Lijuan
1/50,000th the width of a human hair) to create a Zhang conducted this study, will next investigate
“bed of nails” surface. why the nanomodified surfaces deter malignant
breast cells, create surface features that yield greater
Because cancer cells are relatively stiff compared to
results, and determine whether other materials can
healthy cells, they are unable to wrap around the
be used.
bumpy surface of the implant. This reduces the
blood-vessel architecture on which breast cancer The National Institutes of Health’s National Center
tumors depend, while also attracting healthy for Research Resources and the Hermann
endothelial cells for breast tissue. The implant is Foundation have funded this research. And, once
made of 23-nanometer-diameter polystyrene beads FDA approval has been given for the implant, it can
and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), a become the latest weapon in the fight against breast
biodegradable polymer approved by the FDA used cancer.
widely in clinical settings, which results in a surface
covered with adjoining, 23-nanometer-high pimples.
Wednesday, December 19, 12