Breast Cancer FAQ

My mother is going through a difficult time regarding her breast cancer. How can I help?: Thankfully the American Cancer Association has a number of different support groups throughout the country that can help assist caregivers such as yourself as well as lend emotional, physical, financial and theraputic support for your mother and yourself. I would make sure to help her and find others within her church or circle of friends that can help her during this time.

I'm 23 and I don't know how often I should go and receive a mammogram: Every three to five years, especially during the years in which a woman begins to experience menopause - this is generally between the ages of 45 to 50. It is during this time that the body goes through an incredible hormonal changes.

It is during these changes that researchers believe that this is when the estrogen is no longer produced and this imbalance may cause certain cancerous conditions. For more information on how often you should receive screens against breast cancer and x-rays, please discuss with your doctor at your earliest possible convenience. The most important thing to do is catch breast cancer earlier rather than later.

I read that older women are more predisposed to take the loss of their breasts through mastectomy then younger women. Is this true?: The University of Georgia conducted research that showed that women over 50 years of age have more difficulty recovering from the procedure than younger women, but this is purely a physical issue that has nothing to do with the ability to be mentally equipped.

The truth is regardless of the age a mastectomy is a difficult procedure to endure mentally or physically. That is why there are support groups that are available to women who have undergone the procedure or will undergo the procedure. If you or someone you know is undergoing a mastectomy then contact your local hospital and ask for a list of local support groups and therapists to assist in making it through such a trying time.