Articles Index

Breast Anatomy - What Are The Parts of a Nipple and Areola?

Breast anatomy is complex and important to reproductive and breastfeeding health. To focus on one aspect of breast anatomy, let's examine the nipple structure. Find out what's inside a nipple and how those parts relate to health and disease.

How Should I Prepare For My Breast Pain Appointment?

Make the most of your breast pain appointment by being well prepared. Gather up critical information and write up a list of questions and symptoms. Understand what tests you may be having as well as what treatments may be offered. Get help for breast pain by seeing your doctor.

How Will My Doctor Decide Whether I Need Pegfilgrastim Versus Filgrastim?

Chemotherapy can cause your neutrophil counts to drop, which puts you at risk of infection. Neutropenia is treated with Neulasta or Neupogen, but what's the difference, and how do you choose? Read more to understand your choices.

After 5 Years on Tamoxifen and Zoloft – Do I Have to Take Tamoxifen Again?

Some of us take antidepressants to help with hot flashes caused by tamoxifen, but research shows that some SSRIs like Zoloft can cancel out the benefits of hormonal therapy. If you took Zoloft with tamoxifen for five years, do you have to take tamoxifen again?

What is the cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) blood test for breast cancer?

Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a blood test that you might have if you've been diagnosed with breast cancer. It helps monitor advanced breast cancer and how it is responding to treatment.

What is a uPA + PAI-1 Breast Cancer Tumor Marker Test?

uPA + PAI-1 is a tumor marker test done on a sample of tissue from a breast cancer tumor. High levels on this test may indicate that your cancer is aggressive, and your risk of recurrence is high. Learn what the results mean for you and your breast cancer treatment plan.

What is a Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Tumor Marker Test?

A carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) tumor marker test is a blood test that might be ordered prior to and during breast cancer treatment to monitor your progress. The results of this test may show whether your treatment is effective for your cancer. Learn more about blood testing and the CEA blood test.

My Mother Died of Breast Cancer. Will I Get the Same Type of Breast Cancer?

Having a mother die of breast cancer can cause fears. One fear may be - will I die of the same type of breast cancer? Do I need to know her diagnosis details? You can take steps to lower your risk of breast cancer. Learn more here.

What are Aromatase Inhibitors and How Do These Drugs Prevent Recurrence?

Arimidex, Aromasin, and Femara are three aromatase inhibitors given as follow-up treatment after primary treatment for estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors prevent the production of estrogen by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase.

How Is Chemo Taken For Breast Cancer?

How do you take chemotherapy for breast cancer? Most people think that taking chemo is only done with an intravenous drip; however, there are several ways to take chemo.

Why doesn't my clinic do my blood draw through a port?

Before a chemo infusion, you will have a blood draw for your complete blood count. Even if you have an infusion port, it may not be used for your blood draw. Learn more about chemo infusions and blood draws through veins or ports here.

What Should I Do If My Breast Tissue Expander Breaks Or Leaks?

Reconstruction after a mastectomy may involve breast tissue expanders. As with any surgery, breast tissue expanders come with some risks. Breast tissue expanders, like breast implants, may rupture or leak. Learn more about how to handle a breast tissue expander rupture or leak.

Can I still go to work while I'm in treatment for breast cancer?

Can you still go to work while you're in treatment for breast cancer? Perhaps you're wondering if you can keep working while you're in treatment for breast cancer. Consider your health, your treatment plan, and your financial situation – then decide on whether or not to go to work while you're in treatment for breast cancer.

Should I Tell My Kids I Have Breast Cancer?

Should you tell your kids you have breast cancer? If you should tell your kids about your diagnosis of breast cancer, when and how do you tell them? Get help with telling your kids about breast cancer here.

How Do I Keep a Breast Cancer Health Notebook?

Keeping a health notebook during treatment for breast cancer can save you money and give you a feeling of control. Keep track of all your payments, bills, and insurance statements during breast cancer treatment. Here's how to set up and use a health notebook during breast cancer.

Can I be fired or refused a job because of my cancer diagnosis?

A diagnosis of breast cancer threatens more than your health - it can impact your ability to work and leave you open to employment discrimination. Learn about the federal laws that protect against employment discrimination and preserve your job and health insurance. You can't be fired for having breast cancer.

What Are Radiation Port Films?

Port films are part of your radiation treatment planning and routine treatments. Port films help ensure accuracy of radiation treatments. Learn more about port films here.

Why Don’t We Have Annual Ultrasounds Instead of Annual Mammograms?

Why don't doctors ask for an annual ultrasound instead of a mammogram? A mammogram is painful and uses radiation - an ultrasound is comfortable and uses sound waves. Why do we still need mammograms? Learn more about mammograms and ultrasounds for breast cancer screening here.

What Are Radiation Tattoos?

Before having breast radiation, you may need to have skin markings or radiation tattoos created on your breast skin. Radiation tattoos are permanent, but some patients may have temporary skin markings instead. Learn more about radiation tattoos here.

What Is a Radiation Boost For Breast Cancer?

A radiation boost may be given at the end of routine radiation treatments for early stage breast cancer. Your breast radiation boost help prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. Learn more about a radiation boost here.

What Are Local And Systemic Treatments for Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer may be treated with local and systemic therapies. How do you choose between local and systemic treatments?

Does Nicotine Affect Women Differently? Does It Increase Risk of Breast Cancer?

Nicotine by itself doesn't cause breast cancer, but it has a powerful effect on your estrogen levels. Lower estrogen levels cause other health problems. Learn how nicotine from tobacco smoke affects your health.

What Are Breast Oil Cysts?

Breast oil cysts are benign breast lumps. Learn more about breast oil cysts here.

Tamoxifen and Pregnancy -- Safe or Risky?

Many young women take Tamoxifen after breast cancer treatments. Tamoxifen will not prevent pregnancy, and you must take precautions to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Tamoxifen. Learn more about Tamoxifen and pregnancy here.

Flu Shots and Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects

During flu season, you may want to know if you can have a flu shot if you're in treatment for breast cancer. Your immune defenses may be low, so you are at higher risk for flu and flu complications. Learn more about flu shots during breast cancer treatment here.