Page 5 - Making Strides Against Breats Cancer

2018 Breast Health Champion
Diana Dickson-Witmer,
M.D., FACS Medical Director, Christiana Care Breast Center and Breast Program,
Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Q&A
ON BREAST HEALTH
Designed by breast health specialists and women just like you, the Christiana Care Breast Center is the only facility in the region devoted exclusively to breast care, diagnosis and treatment. Have questions? We have the answers.
Q: I RECEIVED A LETTER SAYING I HAVE DENSE BREASTS. DOES THAT MEAN I AM MORE LIKELY TO GET CANCER?
If you’re young and still have functioning ovaries, your risk is no higher. If you have dense breasts and are post- menopausal, your risk of breast cancer is slightly higher than your peers who do not have dense breasts.
Q: SHOULD I GET A 3D MAMMOGRAM IF I HAVE DENSE BREASTS?
Yes. 3D mammograms more accurately detect tumors in dense breasts than traditional mammograms. Many insurance companies cover the additional cost.
Q: WHERE CAN I GET A 3D MAMMOGRAM?
3D imaging is available at Christiana Care’s Concord Health Center, Smyrna Health & Wellness Center, Springside Plaza, Wilmington Hospital and the Breast Center at the Graham Cancer Center. To make an appointment at the Breast Center, call 302-623-4200. Call 302-838-3088 for the other centers.
Q: WHAT IS TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER? A diagnosis of triple negative means the three most common types of receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growth–estrogen, progesterone and the HER-2 gene–are not present in the tumor. It’s an aggressive cancer that is difficult to treat because there are no receptors to target. In recent years, Delaware has had the highest rate of triple-negative breast cancer in the nation.
Q: WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR TRIPLE- NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER?
About 20 percent of young women with triple-negative breast cancer have the BRCA1 genetic mutation. That’s why it’s important to know your family history. African- American women also are at higher risk. The Graham Cancer Center’s Research Advisory Board has developed
a program that teaches women in the community about risk factors and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. You can learn more at christianacare.org.
Q: CAN I DO ANYTHING ELSE TO REDUCE MY CANCER RISK?
If you smoke, quit. Today. Limit your alcohol content
to one drink per day or less. Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight. And get regular mammograms.
To make an appointment with the Breast Cancer Prevention Program, call 302-623-4343. A specially trained member of Christiana Care’s Breast Surgeons practice will review your images, examine you, take a three-generation family history, obtain any pertinent biopsy results, use a computer model
to calculate your lifetime risk and make a personalized recommendation for screening and risk reduction strategies.