It doesn't matter what the condition is, there are patients
that are at high risk and patients at a lower risk. With cancer, breast cancer
to be specific, the situation is the same. Some women are at a far higher risk
than others. The level of risk may be attributed to a number of reasons from
the person’s health history to environmental factors. Truthfully a single
reason is hard, if not impossible to detect. When a woman is diagnosed with
breast cancer, it’s vital to ensure the proper treatment avenues are followed
depending on the stage of the cancer.
So if you are at a high risk for breast cancer, what do you
do? Take the proper drugs for reducing the risk of breast cancer. The drugs
suggested to have a strong effect are tamoxifen and raloxifene. These two drugs
can seemingly reduce the risk of developing estrogen receptor positive breast
cancer. The problem on the other side of the equation is always the extreme
side effects of the drugs.
The issues with the two drugs mentioned include the
following side effects:
- Blood Clots
- Cataracts
- Hot flashes
It’s important to be aware of the good and the bad but also
it’s important to be aware of whether or not this is something that applies to
a person. Consulting your physician to assess your risk level is a key issue. High
risk of cancer does not necessarily equate high risk of side effects and vice
versa. Often times these drugs may not really be an issue. If a patient is
already dealing with breast cancer, diagnostic
imaging procedures as well as specific treatment programs become the main
players.
As far as the risk, according to an article on foxnews.com “A woman's risk for breast cancer can be assessed
with an online calculator
developed by the National Cancer Institute that provides an estimate based on
factors such as a women's age, number of close relatives with breast cancer,
and smoking and exercise habits.” Multiple issues may play a part in
determining what the actual risk is.
If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging procedures please feel
free to give us a call. Our team of dedicated professionals here at Clermont
Radiology looks forward to answering any questions you may have and aiding you
in your diagnostic imaging needs.
Charla
Hurst
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