They can sometimes be combined for more effective treatment of some conditions of the breast. Systemic treatment is aimed at keeping the tumor from coming back in other areas of the body. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapies are examples of systemic anti-cancer drug treatment that reaches the cancerous cells through the bloodstream. It affects a number of women in our community each year. African American women often wait too long to get medical attention.
Early detection leads to better outcomes.
If you are over 40, make sure you get an annual mammogram, clinical breast exam, and do monthly breast self exams. If you are between 20 and 39, have a clinical breast exam every three years and conduct monthly breast self exams. Many cases of breast cancer can be successfully treated and there are numerous breast cancer survivors in our community. Iris C. Gibbs, M.D . All rights reserved.