A new study released by Columbia University reveals a connection between a patient’s age and the length of time they continue taking their breast cancer chemotherapy medications. The study shows that younger breast cancer patients appear more likely to stop taking their chemotherapy medications before the recommended time period has lapsed. Experts point to the fact that younger women may stop their medication as no outward signs of their illness persist after the first few years of treatment. There is also lifestyle issues associated with the study’s younger cohort: including the fact that many younger women are also mothers of young children. This fact often translates to a shift from patients focusing on their own health to focusing on the welfare of their children.
Dr. Whiteman stresses to patients that chemotherapy drugs, just like any other prescribed medication, should be taken as directed. Stopping medications too early can increase the risk of relapse, which can prove incredibly dangerous with such a serious illness. Dr. Whiteman is a valued member of the breast cancer awareness community in Atlanta: co-founding the breast cancer survivors’ group Life After the Fight and serving as The Sport of Giving’s (an Atlanta-based cancer awareness non-profit) Medical Director. Dr. Whiteman also devotes his surgical talents to breast cancer patients in performing breast reconstruction surgery for those patients who have lost breast(s) as a result of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
At Southern Plastic Surgery, Dr. Whiteman works with patients of all ages to formulate individual plans for breast reconstruction. Because every patient’s case is different, the utmost care and attention to detail is paid to ensure that health and well being remain intact throughout the cancer treatment, surgery, and healing processes.
If you are interested in breast reconstruction or have questions concerning breast cancer treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We’d be happy to speak with you.