What You May Not Know About Breast Cancer

This article was previously published on Dr. James Goydos' Medium.

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.

Breast cancer survivors are also at an increased risk for several other cancers, including melanoma, colon cancer, sarcomas, thyroid cancer, and others - Dr. James Goydos

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. Cancer research is a dynamic landscape, and is constantly changing.

Some 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.

Getting a diagnosis of cancer is life changing, and often comes with more questions than answers for the patient. It is important to note that a cancer diagnsosis does not need to be a death sentence. A critical factor which can influence life expectancy, pathogenesis, treatment options, and other variables, is early detection. Post-pandemic, we are seeing a decrease in cancer screening, which means many potential cancers are going undiagnosed, or are being diagnosed later than they may have been in the context of a patient receiving regular screening.

Although we may not be able to completely prevent cancer, there are measures one can take to help mitigate the risk of certain cancers, as well as steps we can take to increase early detection. Breast cancer, as well as cancers such as melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are examples of cancers which one can conduct visible self-checks.

Not all forms of these cancers are visible. However, one can do visual self-checks for things like lumps or tenderness in the case of breast cancer detection, and visual checks for changing moles or skin lesions in the case of skin cancer detection. Always speak to your doctor to understan the right regimen for you and your specific health needs. Conducting self-checks should be done in addition to regular cancer screening with a medical professional, but monthly self-checks are a great way to keep a finger on the pulse of your health at home. You can also take the information you note over time, providing valuable information to your doctor at your next check up.

Understanding the potential costs and benefits of different treatment options, and the different ways in which cancer can progress 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.

About Dr. James Goydos

Dr. James Goydos is an expert in melanoma research and specialist in surgical oncology with an M.D. from Rutgers University. With over 20 years of experience as a Professor, Surgeon, and Clinical Trial Lead, he is a leading expert in his field.

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