Understanding Breast Cancer
Want to learn more about breast cancer? We have all the basics about the disease, and provide tons of information about your risk as well as important cancer statistics. Check out some of our relevant blogs down below for real experiences from real breast cancer patients and survivors in our area.
We typically think of breast cancer as a single disease, but in reality, there are 10 different kinds of breast cancer. The types are categorized by where they are located in the breast and whether or not they've invaded nearby tissue.
According to breastcancer.org the 10 types of breast cancer are:
Additionally, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, one of the most commonly diagnosed types of breast cancer, can be further broken down into subcategories:
Monitoring Your Cancer
Part of living with advanced breast cancer is ongoing testing to keep track of the disease. Although it may feel overwhelming and inconvenient, frequent testing is necessary. The goal is to detect any changes in the disease itself or in its response to treatment early so they can be addressed immediately.
What is Long-Term Monitoring?
Your doctor will regularly perform routine physical exams and blood and imaging tests because no single test provides the complete picture of how your cancer responds to treatment (see Table 1). Your medical team will work with you to determine the kind of testing that is best for you and how often it should be done.
The most commonly used imaging tests for monitoring advanced cancer are bone scans, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and X-rays.
They measure the size of an existing tumor or metastasis, which is cancer that has spread to other parts of your body, such as the bone, brain, liver and lungs. You are encouraged to report any specific symptoms.
Tumor Markers
Tumor markers may be tested periodically to determine if the cancer is responding to therapy or if it has spread. Also known as biomarkers, molecular markers, biological markers or serum markers, these substances are produced by cancer cells or other cells in the body in response to cancer. They can include specific genes, proteins or molecules of the tumor.
Some tumor markers your doctor may test include estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), cancer antigen 27-29 (CA 27-29) and circulating tumor cells, which are pieces of the tumor that break off and move throughout the bloodstream. Higher numbers indicate the cancer may be growing.
It’s also important to keep the lines of communication open with your doctor between regularly scheduled appointments. All of the detailed information you share can be vital for monitoring and to manage any long-term side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor if any symptoms or side effects begin, and include how you’re feeling physically, mentally and emotionally.
Getting a Handle on Scanxiety
Though you might not be familiar with the name, “scanxiety” is the anxiety associated with follow-up scans. The feeling is understandable because the results will indicate whether your treatment is working the way it is intended. You may begin to feel anxious as the appointment nears and stay that way until you get your results. That is a lot of stress to put on your mind and your body, so it is key to find ways to manage it.
Recognize and accept that it is okay to be scared. Be open about your fears with your friends, a support group or a therapist.
Keep your mind occupied with things you enjoy, such as reading, playing games or gardening. Staying busy gives you less time to worry.
Exercise daily, if possible. It is a stress reliever, and you will feel better physically and emotionally.
Calm your nerves with meditation, yoga or deep breathing.
Contact your doctor if you become overwhelmed. Medication or therapy may help.
Information provided by: Patient Resource.
