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Women.com presents

Executive director of NABCO, Amy Langer
"Some Good News About Breast Cancer"

September 21, 1999

Amy Langer, executive director of the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO), is our guest today. She is here to discuss Breast Cancer Awareness. Our topic for this chat is, "Some Good News About Breast Cancer."

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HomeArts: Hi, and welcome to the fourth in our series of Breast Cancer Awareness chats, brought to you by the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO). Today's guest is Amy Langer - executive director of NABCO. The topic of today's chat is "Some Good News About Breast Cancer." Welcome, Amy!

Amy Langer: Many women fear breast cancer in a way that is different from their concern about other health problems. Whether it's because breasts are such a "loaded" topic - relating to femininity, intimacy and sexuality, nurturing, and body image - or whether it's because our picture of breast cancer is gloomy, fear is a barrier to action. Many women report that they don't follow a breast health program because they are afraid of what they'll find. The good news is that following a basic three step early detection program can find breast cancer at an early, treatable stage. In addition to fear, there are also barriers to taking care of yourself that include doctors not recommending screening often enough. What we find at NABCO is that when women learn about the subject they are surprised and relieved, and get ready to take charge of their own breast health.

Marie: Where can I find good information about breast cancer on the Internet?

Amy Langer: Marie, NABCO's site at www.nabco.org is a great place to start. In addition to our own information, we offer links out to a large number of sites for information and support.

Marina: Are there any new early detection procedures on the horizon? Something less painful than a mammogram?

Amy Langer: Marina, there are a number of new early detection techniques, but none are as accurate or as reliable - so far - as a mammogram. Before I tell you about them, you should know that a mammogram can be uncomfortable but should not be painful. Knowing what to expect and keeping the technologist aware of your own comfort level can help make the procedure easier and less uncomfortable, but some women report that the discomfort just lasts a couple seconds. In terms of news, digital mammography is the latest technique just concluding trials. This will allow interpretation that is very precise and will permit physicians to send images over the internet for a second opinion or expert interpretation. Stay tuned for its availability some time next year.

RisingStar: Why do some women have lumpectomies and some women mastectomies, even if their breast cancer is the same size?

Amy Langer: RisingStar, often that's a function of what their doctor knows and frankly, what their doctor is used to doing. Early stage breast cancer can almost always be treated with lumpectomy, that is, removing the cancer but leaving the breast. Some doctors incorrectly believe an old model that had the theory that more is better. Now we know that removing the cancer with appropriate follow-up therapy is just as safe and can offer equivalent survival to mastectomy without the constant reminder of breast surgery.

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