X-ray mammography is now the mainstay for the detection, diagnosis,  and localization of breast cancers.  It is currently the only medical imaging procedure used as a screening tool.  Screening mammography has…

The efforts to develop technologies capable of pushing back the detection timeline to a stage that is even earlier than what is currently possible could provide new opportunities for early intervention,  but such…

Since mammography was first introduced, some concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with repeated exposure of the breast to ionizing radiation (i.e., X rays). There is no direct…

Despite its demonstrated ability to detect breast cancer early and reduce disease-specific mortality rates to some degree, mammography has inherent limitations and risks like any cancer screening technology (including…

Breast cancer detection currently entails three distinct stages. The first stage is identification of an abnormality in the breast tissue either by physical examination or by an imaging technique (most commonly,…

The practice of screening for cancer is based on the premise that early detection will have a positive effect on the outcome of the disease through medical intervention. The goal of…

Breast cancer is the most common non-skin-related malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States1 . Each year, more than 180,000…

After the hurdles of FDA approval,  insurance coverage,  and reimbursement have been cleared,  the adoption and dissemination of new breast cancer detection technologies will ultimately depend on whether women and their health care providers find…

The dominant framework for medical technology regulation and evaluation has historically been based on therapeutics, whereas early detection relies on screening and diagnostic methods.  The evaluation of therapeutic and detection technologies, however, may…

The pathway from technical innovation to accepted clinical practice is long,  arduous,  and costly.  Although the activity and investment in research aimed at developing new technologies for early breast cancer detection have increased substantially…

Most of the progress thus far in the field of breast cancer detection has resulted in incremental improvements in traditional imaging technologies. These technical advances have likely led to more consistent detection of early…

Breast cancer takes a tremendous toll in the United States. After lung cancer,  breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer among women in the United States and is…

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.  More than 180,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year, and more than 40,000…

After nearly 50 years of research by one of us (B.F.) that provided scientific justification for replacing the Halstedian hypothesis, it was disheartening to read the editorial by Rabinovitch and Kavanagh entitled,…

A number of studies surveying breast cancer survivors have documented the impact of breast cancer diagnosis and breast cancer treatment on sexual function,  sexual feeling,  and sexual self-image. 

Women with breast…

1 Studies suggest that sexuality in some women may be altered by breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

2 Inquiring about topics such as menopausal status, birth…

According to Basson (2006),  the management of sexual desire and arousal disorders in women includes psychological and pharmacologic interventions.

Inquiring about topics such as menopausal status, birth control, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia shows the breast cancer patient that her healthcare team members consider topics influencing sexuality to be…

Many patients with breast cancer experience gynecologic problems during or after breast cancer treatment.  Some of these problems are caused by chemotherapy or hormonal therapy;  others are caused by low…

Over the past few years, knowledge of genetic susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer has increased substantially.  Testing for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is becoming increasingly available to women…

Enlargement of the uterus or ovaries is a frequent reason for referral of breast cancer patients to the Gynecologic Oncology Center. In many cases, the enlargement is detected…

In the past 25 years,  several million women have been treated with tamoxifen. Currently, the recommended duration of adjuvant tamoxifen treatment in women with breast cancer is 5 years.

Tamoxifen is an…

Urinary incontinence is reported in 10-25% of women younger than the age of 65 years and in more than 50% of patients who are bedridden. Urinary incontinence may be exacerbated…

Except for a rare congenital form of the condition, genital prolapse occurs most commonly after multiple vaginal births, and it is more common in women of higher parity.  We have also seen genital…

In patients with breast cancer, sexual dysfunction is a relatively frequent complaint both during and after treatment. Anxiety about the illness, concerns about disfigurement related to mastectomy, and loss of physiologic…