Frequently Asked Questions

Hair loss from breast cancer treatment is one of the most visible and most emotionally disturbing side effects of cancer treatment. In the African-American community, where hair is often described as a woman’s "crown of glory," hair loss, although temporary, is a very real and significant personal, physical, social and emotional event. Your reaction to hair loss from cancer treatment may vary and depend on several things, including your individual and cultural importance of hair, how much hair loss is expected and whether or not you have been given enough information to prepare for the loss. Even with enough information, many African American women have said that they still felt truly devastated when their hair began to fall out.

Preparing ahead of time for your hair loss can help you feel more in control when hair thinning begins. When you are in the process of losing your hair, it is important to express your feelings about the changes in your looks and your emotions.

Reviewed by Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP

Lymphedema is a side effect that can begin at any time after breast cancer surgery. It can happen weeks after surgery or years after initial cancer treatment. It can be brought on by trauma to the arm or infection, or it can develop without any obvious cause.

When you have your lymph nodes removed from their armpit area during breast surgery, you become at risk for lymphedema. The soft tissues of your arm or hand can begin to swell because the thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells, called lymphatic channels, are disturbed by the surgery. Lymphedema is not life threatening, but it can last for a long period of time. Early identification and intervention can help you control it.

Some ways to reduce your risk for lymphedema include avoiding infections by taking care of your skin, and avoiding having blood draws or your blood pressure taken on the side where you had your lymph nodes removed.

If you have lymphedema, certain treatments can help ease discomfort and decrease swelling. It is important to know that you have choices about how to manage your lymphedema. An occupational or physical therapist can explain your treatment options and help you decide which is best for you.

For more information, download a copy of Living Beyond Breast Cancer's Guide to Understanding Lymphedema.

Reviewed by Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP

Many women who have had chemotherapy report memory loss and lack of concentration after breast cancer treatment. Others talk about being unable to remember details, being unable to do more than one thing at a time and having trouble remembering common words. Some women who have not taken chemotherapy also report similar symptoms.

Unfortunately, the cause of this type of memory loss is unknown. Recognizing the symptoms and talking about them can provide a sense of relief. Discovering that you are not "going crazy" and that these side effects are normal can be comforting. Researchers are looking for the cause, treatments and preventions for chemo brain. Coping with the symptoms in the meantime can be a challenge. Talk to your doctor or nurse about ways to manage these changes.

Reviewed by Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP

A breast prosthesis is a breast form that can be worn inside your bra after a mastectomy. Choosing to wear a prosthesis is a personal decision. You can wear a prosthesis to have your breasts appear even in your clothing and help balance your body and your posture. The weight of the prosthesis helps keep your bra on the side of your mastectomy from riding up, prevent back and neck pain and prevent your shoulder from sagging.

Reviewed by Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP

Breast reconstruction is not an emergency--you can take your time to decide. Gather information by talking to your breast surgeon, a plastic surgeon and other women affected by breast cancer who have been through reconstructive surgery so you can make informed decisions.

Having breast reconstruction at the same time as your mastectomy requires coordination between your doctors. You may also decide to wait until after treatment is over. Ask your doctor’s office to check on your insurance options before surgery, and talk to your doctor about breast prosthesis if you decide to wait or do not choose to recreate your breast.

Reviewed by Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP

The fear you are feeling about your cancer coming back is real and a normal response to having a cancer diagnosis. Each person copes with this fear in a different way. Your family members may be trying to take an cheerful approach because they really wish "no more trouble" for you, but moving on is a personal experience that you must do when you feel ready. Some women check in with their healthcare provider, others join a support group and still others attend educational conferences to get information to help them understand their cancer and find ways of managing their fears.

Learning to live with the fear of breast cancer coming back and keeping your concern at a manageable level is one of the biggest challenges you may face as you move forward with your life. If you feel depressed or anxious for longer than you expected, talk with your oncologist or oncology nurse. They can direct you to resources that may help you.

For more information, read our Insight newsletter article on Could It Come Back? Managing Fear of Recurrence.

Reviewed by Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is an emotional experience. Many women feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster with up and down moments. All of your emotions may seem bigger than usual--you may feel more anger, more sadness, more anxiety or even more positive about things that never seemed to affect you before. Your family members may feel helpless because they are also emotionally involved.

Many women affected by breast cancer have looked for a way to achieve emotional balance. Some women seek spiritual support, and others find help from speaking one-on-one to a counselor or someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. You may find support with other women affected by breast cancer in a group or individually. Talking to your family members may help them to understand what you are going through.

If your emotions are getting in the way of your day-to-day life, speak with your doctor about medications that may help ease your anxiety, depression or sleeping problems. Think about what feels best for you--maybe you want to use a combination of support approaches. Recognizing that you and/or your family members need help is a good first step.

Reviewed by Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP

Genetic testing for inherited breast cancer risk typically involves a blood test to look for "misspellings" in the genetic code called gene mutations. If you have an inherited gene mutation in certain genes like BRCA1 (Breast Cancer-1) and BRCA2 (Breast Cancer-2), you have a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. If you have had cancer in the past, you also have a higher chance of developing another cancer (a different one, not a recurrence) if you have a BRCA mutation.

If you have questions about genetic testing, you should talk with your oncologist about your concerns. Your doctor can help you understand when to consider genetic counseling and testing. You should also meet with a genetic counselor before deciding whether or not to have genetic testing. This trained health professional can review your family’s medical history and explain what your chance is of carrying a gene mutation. You can learn how genetic risk might influence your healthcare decisions, as well as those of your family members. They can also help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of genetic testing, arrange insurance coverage and explain how the test is done before you move ahead. Women have different reasons for getting tested, and counseling is key to helping you make decisions that are right for you.

No matter what your race or ethnic background, if you have breast cancer yourself or have a family history of breast cancer, and you are concerned about your risk or the risk to your family members, you can ask for a referral to a cancer genetic counselor.

For more information on breast cancer and genetics, visit our website community for women at high risk.

Reviewed by Jill Stopfer, MS

A support group is a great place to share your breast cancer experience openly with people who understand. Fortunately, today there are many different options for support. Whether in a hospital, a church or in your local community, support groups offer information and discussion about survivorship issues. You can decide what feels best for you and helps you to heal as you connect with other positive people.

If you use a computer, virtual support groups and message boards are also available. Visit our message boards to connect with other women affected by breast cancer.

Reviewed by Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP