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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but all year long, Long Islanders have questions: At what age can you be diagnosed? How long does it take to get cancer to spread? Is there a cure?
So we asked about Long Islanders when it comes to breast cancer. After that, we turned to Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, who is a board-certified oncologist with expertise in breast cancer at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Memorial in Nassau County.
Troso-Sandoval answered questions from her patients.
What is hormone receptor positive breast cancer?
"Breast cancer is usually defined as a hormone receptor positive or hormone receptor negative," Troso-Sandoval said. "When it is positive hormone, it can be reliant upon estrogen, the female hormone, for its growth." So in many cases these estrogen receptor positive cancers can be treated with oral anti-estrogen therapy alone, which is often referred to to in my field as hormone therapy, but it's actually opposite – it's actually anti-hormone therapy because it's blocking the effects of estrogen.
Is there a cure for breast cancer?
"Breast cancer is a highly treatable disease, and is in the process of being treated more often than not. for breast cancer can be considered curative, especially when the tumor has not spread too far, such as to the lymph nodes or other organs.
"Even when the cancer is more advanced, there are many other options available that may be used in some cases or will be extended to a patient's life for months to years."
At what age can you get breast cancer?
"The most common age of diagnosis for women is 63, and for black women it is 59 years old. develop cancer at a seemingly younger age on average. "
"Breast cancer developed in later years (over 65 years old) is more frequently estrogen receptor positive and can often be treated without chemotherapy."
Is it safe to eat if you've had breast cancer?
Troso-Sandoval said that it is believed that it may be more likely to have growth in breast cancer cells, it would be better
"There are many supplements that are being explored in the treatment of breast cancer," she said. "While most herbs are considered complementary, they are not recommended in place of traditional chemotherapy or hormonal therapy to cure breast cancer." I feel very strongly that patients seek medical care and support. to help their immune system, prevent recurrence, help their overall health to a pure cancer treatment because they're not good enough. "
What part of the body does breast cancer affect?
"Breast cancer originates within breast tissue but has the ability to spread the lymph nodes in the axilla or under arm in the early stages. body including the liver, lung, bone, and even brain. "
What does the breast cancer symbol mean?
"The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness, and it is very prevalent." Pink ribbons, and the color pink in general, identify the wearer with the breast cancer brand and express moral support for women breast cancer It's often used by family and friends of patients and patients themselves to express support. "
Why is a breast cancer tumor called a lump?
Troso-Sandoval said this is a very common question, and it's really just a matter of vocabulary. "Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of breast cells." The growth can be compared to a tumor, a nodule or tumor. Some breast cancers, such as lobular cancers, are sometimes referred to as breast cancers, and are sometimes referred to as breast cancers. . "
She added, "That is why screening mammography is so important – to catch those really tiny, that we are so far away that we can not otherwise detect."
How long does it take to breast cancer to spread?
Cancer, especially if they are estrogen positive receptor or positive hormone, they may grow very slowly over the years and will be detected before spreading outside of the Other cancers can be more aggressive, especially in younger patients with triple negative breast cancers. There are more types of breast cancer called HER-2 positive breast cancer, and those tend to spread to the lymph nodes or other organs earlier in the race of its growth. "
When is breast cancer prevention week?
According to the American Cancer Society website, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October, and National Mammography Day is Oct. 19.
Other common questions from patients
Two frequently asked questions that Troso-Sandoval gets from her patients involve diet and hair loss.
"Patients often ask me, 'What can I eat and not eat?'" She said. "A lot of patients who control the things they can control, which is what supplements they take or what food they're eating."
She said that it is important to be sure that you plan to be diagnosed, or to help prevent cancer. In general, Troso-Sandoval said she would usually tell her patients not to eat anything they would not eat if they were pregnant.
"Our general recommendation is to eat healthy and eat balanced, and drink a lot of water," she said. "We recommend lean meats and fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and to avoid processed food."
Troso-Sandoval's patients also ask about hair loss during chemotherapy. Some hospitals provide a cooling cap system. "We can offer patients who require chemotherapy the option to wear this cooling cap that will prevent a large amount of their hair loss," Troso-Sandoval said. "It's becoming a big deal for a lot of young women." "You're fitted and your own personal cap and there's a system that's hooked up by a hair follicles, so you don ' t lose as much hair. "
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