If you’re reading this newsletter, you obviously have an interest in, and perhaps some knowledge about, breast cancer. Maybe you’ve been following treatment developments. Or perhaps you’re concerned about the best ways to diagnose the disease. But despite what you know, chances are you could use a refresher course on breast cancer, starting with some basic information.

Medical Advisor Dr. Donna-Marie Manasseh with Lisa Matthews

Dr. Donna-Marie Manasseh, Director of the Women’s Breast Center at Stamford Hospital and a member of the Alliance’s Medical Advisory Board, has put together just such a compilation, which she presented to an audience at the Tully Center in late April. Her presentation covers everything from breast cancer statistics to screening guidelines to the latest in surgical techniques – in clear language, with easy-to-decipher graphics.

She commented, “Education is the key to this disease and I enjoy the opportunity to inform others. It was a great crowd with great questions.”

Highlights from Dr. Manasseh’s presentation include:

1. A look at prevention options, including chemotherapy and prophylactic surgery
2. An overview of the different types of breast cancer, including carcinoma in situ (lobular and ductal) and invasive carcinoma
3. A report on the Gail Model, an interactive tool designed by scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) to estimate a woman’s risk of developing invasive breast cancer. The model is a tool that evaluates factors such as age, family history, childbearing history and breast health history to help calculate a woman’s five-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
4. A discussion of hereditary cancer and the role of the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 in breast and other cancers (see related article on the breast cancer/ovarian cancer link, p. X) as well as the genetic counseling and services that are available
5. An evaluation of the pluses and minuses of different diagnostic tools, including mammography, MRI, ultrasound and CAD (computer aided detection) screening – plus an explanation of the different kinds of biopsy
6. A review of different available drug therapies, including chemotherapy and hormone therapy
7. An exploration of surgical options, including sentinel node surgery, radical and modified mastectomy, and nipple-sparing procedures

Special thanks to special event videographer Charles Pennella, who donated his services to record this event. If you are interested in borrowing or purchasing a DVD of the presentation, please contact the Breast Cancer Alliance office at 203-861-0014.

Dr. Manasseh is a Harvard Medical School graduate and a former resident at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia campus. She was a Breast Surgical Oncology Fellow at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and taught at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons.