Aug 4, 2008 5:54 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: Applegate's Cancer Serves As Reminder
CBS 2 HD's Kristine Johnson And Dr. Holly Phillips Discuss The Warning Signs And Treatment
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Young actress Christina Applegate's announcement about her battle with breast cancer has stunned many, but it also serves as a reminder that the disease affects people of all ages. Applegate discovered she has cancer after undergoing an MRI.
Doctors say they caught the disease in the early stages and, with treatment, she is expected to make a full recovery.
The following is a question and answer session between CBS 2 HD's Kristine Johnson and Dr. Holly Phillips:
Johnson: "Christina is only 36 [-years-old], that seems so young to have breast cancer, is it unusual?"
Dr. Phillips: "It is certainly young, but not as unusual as we would like it to be.
About 5% of all breast cancers happen in women under 40-years-old. But if you consider the many thousands of new cases every year, that's still a large number. So screening is crucial for all women."
Johnson: "Christina's breast cancer was picked up on MRI, would she have had this instead of a mammogram?"
Dr. Phillips: "She may have had it in addition to a mammogram. We know Christina had a strong family history of breast cancer, her mother had the disease. So she's at high risk. Last year it was recommended that high risk women get screened yearly with both mammograms and MRI's. MRI's are more sensitive than mammograms for cancer, but they also lead to more unnecessary biopsies. So they're not recommended for everyone, just high risk women."
Johnson: "How could a woman know if she's at high risk for breast cancer?"
Dr. Phillips: "A family history of breast cancer, especially in your mother, sister or daughter, increases your risk. Genes, like the BRCA-1 mutation also play a role. If you've ever had radiation therapy, or other forms of cancer you could also be at increased risk. And there are other risk factors, so the best way to know is to ask your doctor."
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