Cancers

What You May Not Know About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. What do these two cancers have in common, you might wonder? On a cellular and genetic level, several cancers share more in common than you might think. But with the case of breast cancer and melanoma, there have been several studies that show a link between the two.

One of the most common concerns of a breast cancer survivor following successful treatment is recurrence. Breast cancer survivors can be subject to a myriad of different medical concerns following their diagnosis, but the threat of additional cancer remains a looming one for many. A second breast cancer is the most common second cancer for survivors. This includes cancer in the same breast for those who opted for a breast-conserving lumpectomy, as well as the development of cancer in the breast opposite the one originally diagnosed. However, breast cancer survivors are also at an increased risk for several other cancers, including melanoma, colon cancer, sarcomas, thyroid cancer, and others.

Some of these cancers can be linked to radiation treatment, including lung cancer. Several studies have shown a longitudinal link between radiation therapy for breast cancer and an increased predisposition to lung cancer. However, it is important to note that, for many, radiation therapy helped to increase life expectancy as well. Understanding the potential costs and benefits of different treatment options can be complex. It is important, as always, to speak with your doctor(s) about the available options in order to understand the dynamics involved. Weighing the options is an important decision, and it should be an informed one.

Dr. James Goydos

James Goydos, M.D., F.A.C.S – Physician and surgeon specializing in Surgical Oncology. Experienced Professor of Surgery with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Research has translated into clinical trials for patients with melanoma. Recognized for leadership in patient care by the Melanoma Research Foundation and The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ). Currently serve on the editorial board of the journal Clinical Cancer Research. Doctor of Medicine from Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Recent Posts

Monday, Monday, Anxiety Strikes and Sticks for a Lifetime

You know that sinking feeling when Sunday evening rolls around and you think about the…

3 days ago

Science Has No Borders – And Neither Should Human Potential

Here at the HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum, held in Brooklyn—long a gateway for immigration…

5 days ago

The Stroke That Stole My Father And the Tiny Device That Could Stop the Next One

It happened without warning. My father collapsed at home, his face slack, his words gone.…

5 days ago

Why AI’s Future in the Health Sector Hinges on Leadership, Not Just Technology

The room was standing room only. At the HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum, the energy…

6 days ago

Pandora’s Ghost: The Seduction of Artificial Perfection

We didn’t open the box out of malice. We opened it because we were curious.…

6 days ago

Can Doctors “Gaslight” Their Patients?

I was taken aback by the term used in the article published in JAMA Network…

1 week ago

This website uses cookies. Your continued use of the site is subject to the acceptance of these cookies. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more information.

Read More