What are the symptoms of breast cancer? Run to the Doctor if you have these signs:

A new lump or mass.  However 80% of lumps are not cancerous.

A discharge other than breast milk.

Retraction (inward turning) of the nipple.

General swelling without a lump.

Redness in the nipple or breast skin.

 

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is helpful in diagnosis and determination of cancer.

Only about 60% of those who should be screened are doing so.

 

How often should women have a mammogram? 

Every 3 years until age 40, then every year.

 

What is a biopsy? 

If cancer is suspected a sample of the tissue is removed by a small incision or needle to test the cells and determine whether it is healthy, or if cancerous, the type of cancer so a treatment plan can be developed.  A biopsy can determine if the cancer has receptors for estrogen or progesterone which can select the type of medication given to eliminate it.

 

What types of treatment are there? 

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, are types of treatment based upon the state of cancer and the type found. 

 

What are clinical trails? 

• Phase I studies the safety of the new treatment.

• Phase II studies if the treatment is effective, once it has been determined to be safe.  Often FDA approval is given after Phase ll.

• Phase lll studies if the new treatment is better than standard treatment.  

• Phase lV studies ways to use the new treatment more effectively in combination with other drugs.

 

How can I participate in a clinical trial? 

Please follow this link for clinical trial information. or contact University of Washington if you would like to participate in research in this location.  Thanks!