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Breast Cancer in Young Women Center - Pittsfield, MA

Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield *

Northampton Internal Medicine
Deborah E Smith
190 Nonotuck St
STE 105
Florence, MA 01062
(413) 584-9511

Robert Byrne MD
Robert Byrne
1221 Main St
C Horan Medical Bldg STE 208
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-9694

Drs Murray & Glynn MD PC
Philip T Glynn
1777 Dwight St
Springfield, MA 01107
(413) 732-4478

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

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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 Pittsfield

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Pittsfield Hospitals *

Berkshire Medical Center
725 North St
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413)447-2000

BMC Hillcrest Campus
165 Tor Ct
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413)443-4761

Austen Riggs Center
25 Main St
Stockbridge, MA 01262
(413)298-5511

Fairview Hospital
29 Lewis Ave
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(413)528-0790

North Adams Regional Hospital
71 Hospital Ave
North Adams, MA 01247
(413)664-5000

Samaritan Hospital
2215 Burdett Ave
Troy, NY 12180
(518)271-3300

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
100 Hospital Dr
Bennington, VT 05201
(802)442-6361

Albany Memorial Hospital
600 Northern Blvd
Albany, NY 12204
(518)471-3221

St Mary's Hospital Troy
1300 Massachusetts Ave
Troy, NY 12180
(518)268-5000

Northampton VA Medical Center
421 N Main St
Leeds, MA 01053
(413)584-4040

Stratton VA Medical Center at Albany
113 Holland Ave
Albany, NY 12208
(518)626-5000

Albany Medical Center
43 New Scotland Ave
Albany, NY 12208
(518)262-3125

Albany Medical Center South Clinical Campus
25 Hacket Blvd
Albany, NY 12208
(518)262-1200

Capital District Psychiatric Center
75 New Scotland Ave
Albany, NY 12208
(518)447-9611

Columbia Memorial Hospital
71 Prospect Ave
Hudson, NY 12534
(518)828-7601

St Peter's Hospital
315 S Manning Blvd
Albany, NY 12208
(518)525-1550

Cooley Dickinson Hospital
30 Locust St
Northampton, MA 01060
(413)582-2000

Noble Hospital
115 W Silver St
Westfield, MA 01086
(413)568-2811

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