Prevention and treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer strikes 1 in 8 women, and only 12% have identifiable risk fac tors. A proper breast examination with mammographic screening is needed to make an early diagnosis. Breast masses must be evaluated properly, and the obstetrician/gynecologist should know when to schedule an open-breast biops y or a radiologically performed stereotactic biopsy of the breast. Most bre ast cancers can be managed with breast preservation, such as a lumpectomy w ith limited axillary lymph node dissection with whole-breast irradiation. I ndications for adjuvant chemotherapy or tamoxifin are discussed in this art icle.