diation. Additional testing by bone or CT scans may detect a systemic recurrence a few months earlier, but is not not cost-effective and will not significantly impact later treatment.Periodic blood tests can reveal bone and liver function abnormalitiesCEA and CA15-3 blood tests bi-annuallyPalliation or treatment of symptoms is the authors philosophyFuture physical examinations for detection of recurrence are critical to health.Selection of the best physician and location Negative memories must be considered and may impact selectionEvaluation of primary care physician for his expertise in recurrence detectionEIGHT FACTSChapter 17 Hormone replacement after breast cancerNo definitive conclusions can be drawn about HRT for breast cancer survivors.Physicians are wary of prescribing anything additional that may increase the risk of recurrent diseaseNew research indicates that HRT prescription should be re-evaluatedIt is suggested that each woman should assess her own potential risks and benefits of HRT, since women experience menopause differently24 studies fail to show any causal relationship between the effects of HRT on breast cancer patientsWomen on HRT may have more mammograms than their counterparts who are not on HRT leading to a potentially earlier detection of breast cancer for these patients However this early breast cancer detection may not be directed linked to HRT After 10 years of HRT, a slight increase in breast cancer incidence been notedWomen exhibiting lobular neoplasia may have increased risk of recurrence after HRT. These predisposed women may be at an increased risk because of their predisposition, regardless of HRT usageTWOChapter 11 TamoxifenTamoxifen is a drug belonging to the SERM or selective estrogen receptor modulator family of drugs.SERM drugs attach to cell surface receptors and turn off cellular mechanisms by preventing the stimulation of breast cancer cells to divide and instead directs the cells ...
