Breast Cancer - Questions and Answers

Medical experts from Harvard University answer common questions about breast cancer.

QUESTION: Passing on Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed with breast cancer five months ago when my baby was 10 months old. He was exclusively breastfed until that time and I am still concerned about cancer cells that could have been passed along to him in my milk. Since tumors grow in the milk ducts and since cancer cells can break away, can they travel out of the milk ducts? If so, can they survive in another body?
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QUESTION: Chest X-ray and Breast Cancer
I am 35 years old and I had tuberculosis at age 5. For the first year of treatment, I recall that I had frequent X-rays, every two weeks. Am I at increased risk for breast cancer because of this?
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QUESTION: Femara and Breast Cancer
My doctor wants to put me on Femara 5 mg daily for five days to stimulate egg production for insemination. I thought this drug was indicated for breast cancer. Can you give more information on Femara's use for this indication? Is it safe?
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QUESTION: Breast Cancer and Antibiotics
My daughter, who is 14, is currently taking antibiotics to treat her acne. In light of the latest breast cancer-antibiotics scare, should she discontinue taking them?
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QUESTION: Implants and Mammography
My sister has silicone breast implants. I am worried that when she goes for a mammogram, the pressure from the test will cause a leakage. Can you tell me more about mammography for women with implants?
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QUESTION: Teenage Breast Lump
My 14-year-old son has a pea-sized lump behind his left nipple. Should I have it checked, or is this normal for an adolescent?
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Have a question? Ask our breast cancer community using our new Ask A Question tool. We regret that, due to the volume of queries, our experts cannot respond to all of them, but some will be selected and answered here; someone from the community also may know where to go for an answer.