Women's Information Network
Against Breast Cancer

Welcome to the WIN Against Breast Cancer message board. WIN ABC is pleased to provide an opportunity for you to have some of your concerns addressed. Please be aware that your questions will be directed to other visitors to this site. Medical information posted may not have been submitted by a healthcare professional specializing in breast health and breast cancer care.

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Re: Suspicious Spot

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Posted by Betsy Mullen on 3/14/2000 from 205.188.192.173:
In reply to: Re: Suspicious Spot posted by Sylvia Dunton Robie on 3/13/2000 from 205.188.192.166:
Dear Sylvia:

We are strong proponents of second opinions. I suggest you seek a second opinion, and make sure that you have all of your film/images and radiology reports with you to take to the appointment.

In the meantime, if you would like to fill out the special patient information form on our site (you can find it in the text of our message board introduction above), or if you would like to telephone us directly, we can send you some wonderful resources and well-rounded information about breast health and breast cancer (free of charge). You are also welcome to call us at (626) 332-2255.

It is very difficult to render an opinion without knowing all the facts of a patient’s case. But one strong recommendation we would like to make is that you also pursue your question(s) with your own physicians. You should feel fully empowered to obtain a satisfactory answer and feel free to seek a second opinion. We have some great tips on partnering with your health care team and key questions to ask your doctors, communication tips and informed decision-making tips to help you get the information you need.

A few questions come to mind and please bear in mind that I am not a physician or a nurse. Do you have a family history of breast cancer? Do you have any known risk factors (e.g., not having given birth to a child before age 30)?

I have not read or heard that "most suspicious spots the size of a pea should be removed". In fact, the majority of breast lumps turn out to be benign, however, it is important to keep in mind that everybody is different and every body is different. I have a saying: "When in doubt, check it out." You know your body better than any body, and you are your best advocate (and we can give you some patient advocacy pointers to help you). It is also important to listen to your "gut feelings" – your intuition as well and push to get the answers to your questions. Second opinions are very important and your HMO should not put up barriers to your getting another opinion in this matter.

We can help you with suggested questions to ask about breast cancer screening as well as information on risk factors and breast health. Please let us know if you would like such information. We can also send you information on how to choose a well-qualified breast imaging center (you can find great links in the resource section of our site at winabc.org).

We have a section on our site that includes questions women should ask their health plan to ensure they are getting exemplary care. You can find a link to this section on our home page, at the top right-hand portion of the page.

Please let us know how you are doing and how we can best be of help and support to you.

Betsy Mullen
President/CEO
WIN Against Breast Cancer
www.winabc.org