More Women Surviving After Early Breast Cancer

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The more frequent diagnosis of in situ carinoma and the longer survival of these women represents a triumph against breast cancer in the past 20 years. The next step in our efforts to reduce the impact of breast cancer should be a greater emphasis on minimizing post surgical breast deformity. The use of skin sparing mastectomy and other operations based on principles developed for breast Plastic surgery has been shown to markedly improve the appearance of the breast after cancer surgery. The BPF mission is to encourage women to become educated about these options.
Joel A Aronowitz, MD
Chief, Division Plastic Surgery
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA

Joel A Aronowitz, MD of CA 1:14PM August 31, 2009

More women seem to be surviving carcinoma in situ because more women are being diagnosed with it. They would have survived anyway, many with no treatment. Those with lobular carcinoma in situ, particularly, have what is considered a warning sign that they may develop invasive breast cancer.
I got my warning over 20 years ago with a suspicious mammogram and a biopsy. I have not developed invasive breast cancer, though I did nothing but pay attention to lifestyle choices that scientists report may lower the risk for breast cancer. The only other option at the time was a double mastectomy, which I considered an over-reaction to a warning sign.
For information on lifestyle choices that may lower breast cancer risk: www.ReduceBreastCancerRisk.com.
Ductal carcinoma in situ, which is somewhat more likely to lead to invasive breast cancer, is treated as an early form of breast cancer. It differs from invasive breast cancer, however, in that it can not spread. It is non-invasive, but it can undergo a transformation and become invasive, though it may not.

Carol of DC 11:06AM August 26, 2009