LuPone Thrives After Beating Breast Cancer
- Broadway icon Patti LuPone is a breast cancer survivor who is thriving after beating the disease. Her cancer was detected early and she wrote about the experience in her memoir.
- Breast cancer is treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, like a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
- People aged 45 to 54 with an average risk of breast cancer should screen annually for the disease.
LuPone took a brief break from the revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical due to contracting Covid-19. The actress tested positive for Covid-19 in February and began experiencing symptoms before her performance on February 26.
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We love to see people like LuPone thriving, laughing, and living boldly after beating cancer.
Understanding Breast Cancer
LuPone battled breast cancer in 2001, and it was detected early. She detailed her breast cancer experience in her memoir.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) there will be approximately 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women living in the U.S. this year. Breast cancer is typically detected via a mammogram. It can also be detected accidentally; for instance, if you find a lump in your breast while taking a shower. If you discover something unusual in your body, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.
After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, your cancer will be qualified as stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, or stage 4. The stage of breast cancer indicates how advanced the cancer is, and whether or not it has spread to other areas of the body. Breast cancer that is advanced and has spread is called "metastatic" breast cancer; this refers to the fact that it has metastasized or "spread" to other areas of the body. Metastatic breast cancer is also called "stage 4 breast cancer."
There are also different types of breast cancer. For instance, there is a type called "triple-negative breast cancer" (TNBC), which is a more aggressive form of the disease. Breast cancer treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Surgical options for breast cancer may include a lumpectomy, or a mastectomy the full removal of one or both breasts. Some people may opt for a preventative mastectomy, if there is a history of breast cancer in the family and thus a higher probability of contracting the disease.
The treatment path for breast cancer will be dependent upon the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Many people find that connecting with a cancer support group, oncological social worker, or a therapist can help during the cancer journey.
What Is Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Screening for Breast Cancer
When it comes to breast cancer, mammograms save lives. Early detection is critically important and it can mean broader treatment options as well. Women ages 45 to 54 with an average risk of breast cancer should get mammograms annually.
For women with an elevated risk of breast cancer this means they either have a history of breast cancer in the family, or they have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation they should begin screening even earlier, before age 45.
While getting a mammogram, ask about dense breasts, which may obscure cancer. The technician will be able to do determine whether or not you have dense breasts.
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
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