Breast Cancer

In the US, breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women. One in every eight women in the US will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Just as in other cancers, the cause is not known. However, there is more and more information available on it.

It is known that early detection is important for the appropriate treatment of breast cancer. Breast self-examination instructions are beyond the scope of this presentation, but is available through any branch of the American Cancer Society. Routine physical examination by your doctor is also important. Mammography is recommended initially between ages 35 and 40, depending on the risk factors of the particular individual. It is also recommended every two years between ages 40 and 50, and every year after that. Nipple discharge is also important to bring to the attention of your doctor.

The risk for development of breast cancer is Japan is the lowest of all industrialized nations, although it appears to be on the rise. The risk of Japanese who emigrate to the US is interesting. The first generation women have the risk that approximates that of Japan; the second generation women have a slightly higher intermediate risk; the third generation women have a risk that approximates that of the US native women.

We at NMC have physicians who specialize in the various aspects of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Our radiologist has state-of-the-art equipment for breast imaging, including mammography and ultrasound. Our surgeon has pioneered a technique in breast surgery which minimizes the mastectomy defect to a point where it is barely detectable. Radiation therapy referrals are available a nearby facility. We have on staff a medical oncologist who has published extensively, both in scientific journals and even in the ATLANTIC MONTHLY, about breast cancer. Our reconstruction surgeons can restore mastectomy defects, at the time of the initial surgery or much later.