Question 1

What is Breast Cancer?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in breast tissue, most commonly in the milk ducts or lobules. It is caused by genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth, often influenced by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The Cancer Antigen CA 15-3 blood test is the most important test for monitoring treatment effectiveness and detecting recurrence in breast cancer patients.

Question 2

What causes breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer is caused by genetic mutations in breast cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and division. These mutations can be inherited through BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes or acquired during a person's lifetime due to hormonal exposure, environmental factors, and aging. Prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone, obesity, alcohol consumption, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of developing these cancer-causing mutations in breast tissue.

Question 3

What is the best blood test for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

The Cancer Antigen CA 15-3 test is the most important blood test for monitoring breast cancer because it detects elevated protein levels often found in people with breast cancer, especially in advanced stages. This tumor marker is essential for tracking how well treatment is working and detecting if cancer has returned after initial treatment. The CA 27.29 test is another critical marker that serves a similar purpose and is particularly useful for monitoring ongoing treatment effectiveness. While these blood tests cannot diagnose breast cancer initially, they are invaluable tools for managing the disease once diagnosed through imaging and biopsy.

Question 4

When should I get tested for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice a new lump or mass in your breast or underarm, experience unexplained breast pain that does not go away, or notice changes in breast skin texture such as dimpling or puckering. Testing is also important if you have nipple discharge (especially if bloody), sudden changes in breast size or shape, or a family history of breast cancer with BRCA gene mutations. If you are undergoing breast cancer treatment, regular tumor marker blood tests help monitor treatment effectiveness and detect early signs of recurrence.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer symptoms include a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area that feels different from surrounding tissue. You might notice changes in breast size or shape, skin changes such as redness, dimpling, or an orange-peel texture, and nipple changes including inversion, discharge, or scaling. Some people experience persistent breast or nipple pain, swelling in part or all of the breast, or visible changes to the breast skin that resemble an infection but do not improve with antibiotics.

Question 6

Who is at risk for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Women over age 50 face the highest risk for breast cancer, though it can occur at any age. People with inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have significantly elevated risk, as do those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Additional risk factors include early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), never having been pregnant or having a first pregnancy after age 30, hormone replacement therapy use, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and previous radiation therapy to the chest area.

Question 7

What happens if breast cancer is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated breast cancer grows progressively larger and spreads beyond the breast tissue to nearby lymph nodes and eventually to distant organs through the bloodstream. The cancer can metastasize to bones, lungs, liver, and brain, causing severe complications including bone fractures, breathing difficulties, liver failure, and neurological problems. As the disease advances, it becomes increasingly difficult to treat, and survival rates decrease dramatically. Early detection and treatment are critical for the best outcomes and long-term survival.

Question 8

Can breast cancer be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer cannot be initially diagnosed with a blood test alone. Diagnosis requires imaging studies like mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRI scans, followed by a tissue biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. However, blood tests play a crucial supporting role once breast cancer has been diagnosed by measuring tumor markers like CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 to monitor treatment effectiveness and detect recurrence. Blood tests also measure hormone levels like estrogen and progesterone that influence cancer growth and guide treatment decisions.

Question 9

How is breast cancer treated?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted drug therapy. Surgery options include lumpectomy (removing the tumor and surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removing the entire breast). Hormone-positive breast cancers respond to hormone therapy medications that block estrogen or progesterone from fueling cancer growth. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, while targeted therapies attack specific cancer cell characteristics. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Question 10

How can I prevent breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot completely prevent breast cancer, you can reduce your risk through lifestyle modifications and regular screening. Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day, and avoid smoking. If possible, breastfeed your children, as this provides protective benefits. Women at high risk due to BRCA mutations may consider preventive medications or prophylactic surgery after consulting with their healthcare provider. Regular mammograms starting at age 40-50 (depending on risk factors) enable early detection when treatment is most effective.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support breast cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

Supporting breast cancer treatment at home involves eating a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to maintain strength during treatment. Stay physically active with gentle exercises like walking or yoga to reduce fatigue and improve mood. Manage treatment side effects by staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, and using gentle skincare products on sensitive areas. Join support groups to connect with others going through similar experiences, practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing, and maintain open communication with your healthcare team about any concerns or side effects you experience.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Breast Cancer Blood Test & Tumor Markers

What is Breast Cancer?

What causes breast cancer?

What is the best blood test for breast cancer?

When should I get tested for breast cancer?

References

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