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Breast Cancer in Young Women Center - Asheville, NC

Asheville Oncologist Doctors for Breast Cancer in Young Women

Type of Physician: Oncologist

What is a Oncologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; the oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. These subspecialists decide on and administer chemotherapy as well as consult with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatment for cancer.

Specialty: Oncology (Medical)

Common Name: Cancer Doctor

Oncologist Doctors in Asheville *

Mountain Regional Cancer Center
David S Thomas
14 Medical Park Loop
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-7610

Radiation Oncology & Palliative Medicine
Gregory L Jones
720 Malcolm Blvd
Physical Blue Ridge Carcea Center STE 200
Valdese, NC 28690
(828) 879-7536

Seby B Jones Regional Cancer Center
Theodore F Gray
184 Virginia St
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 262-4344

CVMC Outpatient Infusion Center
Sheri Combs
1501 Tate Blvd, SE
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 485-1412

Asheville, North Carolina

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Breast Cancer in Young Women

Introduction

Younger women generally do not consider themselves to be at risk for breast cancer. Only 5 percent of all breast cancer cases occur in women under 40 years old. However, breast cancer can strike at any age, and all women should be aware of their personal risk factors for breast cancer. (A risk factor is a condition or behavior that puts a person at risk for developing a disease.)

There are several factors that put a woman at high risk for developing breast cancer, including:

Risk factors include:

  • A personal history of breast cancer or non-cancerous breast disease
  • A family history of breast cancer, particularly in a mother, daughter or sister
  • History of radiation therapy Evidence of a specific genetic defect (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation). Women who carry defects on either of these genes are at greater risk for developing breast cancer.
  • A Gail Index score of at least 1.7% (The Gail Index uses risk factors such as age, family history of breast cancer, age of first menstrual period and first pregnancy, and number of breast biopsies to calculate a woman's risk of developing breast cancer within the next five years.)

An extended use of oral contraceptives (the Pill) later in life is also sometimes considered a factor for developing breast cancer. However, this is still subject to much debate in the medical community.

What Is Different About Breast Cancer in Younger Women?

Diagnosing breast cancer in younger women (under 40 years old) is more difficult because their breast tissue is generally more dense than the breast tissue in older women. By the time a lump in a younger woman's breast can be felt, the cancer often is advanced.

In addition, breast cancer in younger women may be aggressive and less likely to respond to treatment . Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age are more...

Recommended Reading Related to Breast Cancer in Young Women

Breast Cancer and Lymphedema »

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs. The condition develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, or removed.

There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary.

Primary lymphedema is rare and is caused by the absence of, or abnormalities in, certain lymph vessels at birth.

Secondary lymphedema occurs as a result of a blockage or interruption that alters the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system and can develop from an infection, cancer, surgery, scar tissue formation, trauma, deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a vein), radiation, or other cancer treatment.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Lymphedema?

People who have had any of the following procedures may be at risk for developing lymphedema:

  • Simple mastectomy in combination with axillary (arm pit) lymph node removal./l...

Emergency Contact for Asheville

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Asheville Hospitals *

Mission Hospitals St Joseph's Campus
428 Biltmore Ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828)213-1111

Mission St Joseph's Memorial Campus
509 Biltmore Ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828)213-1111

CarePartners Rehabilitation Hospital
68 Sweeten Creek Rd
Asheville, NC 28803
(828)274-2400

Asheville VA Medical Center
1100 Tunnel Rd
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)298-7911

Park Ridge Hospital
Naples Rd
Fletcher, NC 28732
(828)684-8501

Pardee Hospital
800 N Justice St
Hendersonville, NC 28791
(828)696-1000

Haywood Regional Medical Center
262 Leroy George Dr
Clyde, NC 28721
(828)456-7311

Transylvania Community Hospital
90 Hospital Dr
Brevard, NC 28712
(828)884-9111

The McDowell Hospital
430 Rankin Dr
Marion, NC 28752
(828)659-5000

St Luke's Hospital
101 Hospital Dr
Columbus, NC 28722
(828)894-3311

Spruce Pine Community Hospital
125 Hospital Dr
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828)765-4201

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