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Breast Cancer in Young Women Center - Westfield, MA

Westfield 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 Westfield *

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

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

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

Westfield, 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 Westfield

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Westfield Hospitals *

Western Massachusetts Hospital
91 E Mountain Rd
Westfield, MA 01085
(413)562-4131

Baystate Medical Center
759 Chestnut St
Springfield, MA 01199
(413)794-0000

Mercy Medical Center
271 Carew St
Springfield, MA 01104
(413)748-9000

Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital
233 Carew St
Springfield, MA 01104
(413)748-9000

Shriners Hospital for Children
516 Carew St
Springfield, MA 01104
(413)787-2000

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

Providence Hospital
1233 Main St
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413)536-5111

Kindred Hospital Park View
1400 State St
Springfield, MA 01109
(413)787-6700

Holyoke Medical Center
575 Beech St
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413)534-2500

HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts
14 Chestnut Pl
Ludlow, MA 01056
(413)589-7581

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

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

Wing Memorial Hospital & Medical Center
40 Wright St
Palmer, MA 01069
(413)283-7651

Johnson Memorial Hospital
201 Chestnut Hill Rd
Stafford Springs, CT 06076
(860)684-4251

Rockville General Hospital
31 Union St
Vernon Rockville, CT 06066
(860)872-5100

St Francis Care Hospital Mount Sinai Campus
500 Blue Hills Ave
Hartford, CT 06112
(860)714-4000

The Hospital at Hebrew Healthcare
1 Abrahms Blvd
W Hartford, CT 06117
(860)523-3800

Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
490 Blue Hills Ave
Hartford, CT 06112
(860)714-3500

St Francis Hospital & Medical Center
114 Woodland St
Hartford, CT 06105
(860)714-4000

Manchester Memorial Hospital
71 Haynes St
Manchester, CT 06040
(860)646-1222

Baystate Mary Lane Hospital
85 South St
Ware, MA 01082
(413)967-6211

Hungerford Emergency & Medical Care
115 Spencer St
Winsted, CT 06098
(860)738-6650

Connecticut Children's Medical Center
282 Washington St
Hartford, CT 06106
(860)545-9000

Hartford Hospital
80 Seymour St
Hartford, CT 06102
(860)545-5000

Institute of Living Hartford Hospital
200 Retreat Ave
Hartford, CT 06106
(800)673-2411

University of Connecticut Health Center John Dempsey
263 Farmington Ave
Farmington, CT 06030
(860)679-2000

VA Connecticut Healthcare System Newington Campus
555 Willard Ave
Newington, CT 06111
(860)666-6951

Cedarcrest Hospital
525 Russell Rd
Newington, CT 06111
(860)666-4613

Hospital for Special Care
2150 Corbin Ave
New Britain, CT 06053
(860)827-1958

The Hospital of Central Connecticut New Britain Campus
100 Grand St
New Britain, CT 06052
(860)224-5011

Veterans Home & Hospital Rocky Hill
287 West St
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
(860)529-2571

Harrington Memorial Hospital
100 South St
Southbridge, MA 01550
(508)765-9771

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital
540 Litchfield St
Torrington, CT 06790
(860)496-6666

Bristol Hospital
41 Brewster Rd
Bristol, CT 06010
(860)585-3000

Franklin Medical Center
164 High St
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413)773-0211

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