Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a common disease, occurring in about 11% of American women. It becomes more common with increasing age, but can occur even in very young women. (Rare cases have been reported in women as young as 9 years old!!) The incidence of breast cancer stabilized recently, after several decades of steady increase. The results of breast cancer treatment are generally very good, although some women still die of their disease. Breast cancer research is one of the most active fields in medicine. New developments are published almost monthly!! A full discussion of breast cancer treatment is beyond the scope of this website and would be obsolete almost as soon as written. However, a few generalizations can be made.

No one knows the cause of breast cancer. Probably, many independent causes act together, some of which are hereditary. Acquired (non-hereditary) factors become important early in life, in adolescence or even younger. It is never too early for young women to embark on a healthy lifestyle, including a low-fat, carcinogen-free diet, regular exercise, and weight control. Considering all causes of death, the two greatest killers of American women are obesity and smoking.

Regular screening and early diagnosis. Recent improvements in breast cancer survival are due, in part, to early detection. Beginning at puberty, women should have regular health check-ups that include a physical exam and (if sexually active) a Pap smear. Adult women should begin annual breast exams at age 25-30, and annual mammograms at age 40. High-risk women may need to begin screening at an even younger age.

Minimally-invasive breast biopsy. The diagnosis of breast cancer should be made by needle biopsy in most instances. Needle biopsy does not "provoke" or spread the cancer...a common misconception! Some breast cancers must be diagnosed with a surgical biopsy, but these situations are uncommon. Smaller communities may not have the facilities to perform minimally invasive breast biopsy. In that case, it is usually preferable to travel to a larger facility for the correct biopsy, rather than to undergo surgery.

Breast cancer treatment is often quite complex, requiring coordination among surgeons, oncologists, radiation specialists, geneticists, and others. New research becomes available frequently, necessitating constant education to keep specialists up-to-date. Breast cancer patients deserve a team of specialists who are dedicated to the treatment of their disease. New breast cancer patients often begin their treatment journey at Boise Breast Consultants. We pride ourselves on helping such patients make the necessary adjustments and assemble their treatment team. It isn’t "just" breast surgery - it’s a major life event, best accomplished as a team effort.