Forms & Information
Women at high risk of developing breast cancer should receive an annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, in addition to their yearly mammogram, beginning as early as age 30, according to guidelines published by the American Cancer Society.
Imagine a world without breast cancer. You can help make that a reality. Join Team Providence and register for the 2013 Race for the Cure event on Sunday, Sept. 15. Gather your friends and family and walk or run to support the early detection of breast cancer, its treatment and ongoing research.
From the experts
Lymphedema may affect up to 60 percent of women after breast cancer treatment. This abnormal accumulation of fluid, or “edema,” is caused by a blockage of the lymphatic system. Often first noticed as a swelling, heaviness or tightness in the arm, hand, wrist, fingers, breast or torso on the same side as the affected breast, it can happen right after surgery or radiation, or years later.
Q: I enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner each night and thought it was good for my health. Now I hear having a glass of wine each day can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Is that true?
Answer from the expert staff of the Ruth J. Spear Breast Center at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center:
Q: How long does it take for breast cancer to grow? My doctor just examined my breasts a month ago (no lumps), and today I found a lump. Is it possible that breast cancer could have developed so quickly?
Answer from the expert staff of breast cancer research at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center at Providence Portland Medical Center:
Q. I’m a young woman who tries to do breast self exams (BSE's) every month. But I often put them off because they make me so nervous. I just heard that not all health care organizations recommend monthly BSE's. What do you say?
Answer from the expert staff of breast cancer research at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center at Providence Portland Medical Center:
Q: “A friend forwarded an article to me suggesting that vitamin D can reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. Is this true?”
Answer from Alison Conlin, M.D., medical oncologist, Providence Cancer Center:
Q: I'm undergoing chemo, and though I am experiencing heavy-duty fatigue, I am also suffering from insomnia! Sometimes it's hard to fall asleep; other nights I wake up around 3 a.m. for an hour or two. My medical oncologist said chemo can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and prescribed Ambien. I don't like the idea of relying on a sleeping pill. Anything else I can do?
Answer from Miles Hassell, M.D., director of Providence Integrative Medicine at Providence Cancer Center:
Q. I am a breast cancer survivor. Is it safe for me to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Answer from the expert staff of breast cancer research at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center at Providence Portland Medical Center:
Q: Are MRI's better than mammograms for detecting breast cancer? Should I be asking my doctor for an MRI with my annual exam?
Answer from the expert staff of breast cancer research at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center at Providence Portland Medical Center:
Q. If a hormone-positive breast cancer survivor wants to be proactive in her cure, should she avoid/limit as many phytoestrogens as possible, or just soy and flax, which seem to be high in these estrogen mimics?
Answer from Miles Hassell, M.D., director of Providence Integrative Medicine Program at Providence Cancer Center:
Q: What can you tell me about Arimidex vs. tamoxifen? Should a person on tamoxifen switch to Arimidex? And is there any benefit to taking Arimidex after five years on tamoxifen?
Answer from the expert staff of breast cancer research at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center in the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute at Providence Cancer Center:
Q: “I am concerned about some discharge from one of my breasts. If I squeeze the nipple, I get a dark greenish fluid. Sometimes it also occurs spontaneously. I mentioned this during my last physical exam, but my mammogram appeared to be OK. Should I do anything else, or just wait for my next mammogram? If it’s nothing to be concerned about, what is causing it?”
Answer from Heidi Nelson, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of Providence Women and Children’s Program and Providence Women and Children’s Health Research Center:
Q: “It has been two weeks since I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, and I have not had my MRI, PET, CT or follow-up. Everyone says, ‘You have time.’ How do they know I have time? How do they know that my cancer cells aren’t dividing right now? Why aren’t breast cancers taken out immediately and patients treated for any cancer spread right away?”
Answer from Stacy Lewis, M.D., medical director, Providence Cancer Center, and oncologist, Providence Oncology and Hematology Care Clinic:
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