Cancer Concerns

I have breast cancer and it was completely removed but I was just curious if it is common for the cancer to show up in other areas that would call for a possible hysterectomy?

It's possible for anyone (male or female) to have multiple cancers.

There are a few woman here who are breast cancer and gyno cancer survivors. Maybe one of them will be along later to further answer your question.

If your breast cancer was estrogen driven, then you could be at a higher risk for uterine cancer. Your doctor can probably tell you if it were or it may be on your path report.

You might do a web search for the risk factors for a specific gyno cancer to see if you are at an increased risk. (For example, uterine risk factors can be found at this link: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu...nc/uterine.cfm)

It lists the following which I think you will find on other medical sites as risk factors.

"The following have been suggested as risk factors for uterine cancer:

age 50 or over
history of endometrial hyperplasia
estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)
being overweight
diabetes
hypertension (high blood pressure)
history of other cancers
history of taking tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment or prevention
Caucasian women"

Some also list not having had kids, early periods or menopause after 52 as other possible risk factors.

Don't spend a lot of time on web searches because that can drive you nuts however, look at a few medical sites like Mayo, MD Anderson, National Cancer Institute and be sure to use the most recent information because information from the early 2000's is sometimes outdated due to improved treatments.

However, if you are in your 30-early 40's with breast cancer you MAY have a genetic predisposition (BRCA gene) which means you are at a greater risk for ovarian and breast cancers. There is a DNA test that can determine if you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. (If you do a search of this site for BRCA, you will find threads discussing whether or not to have the DNA testing and other surgeries (more specifically, the ovaries out).

This is clearly a question that can be better answered by your health care provider who knows the specifics of your cancer and other possible factors. You've really asked an open ended question and without more details it is hard to answer so please discuss this with your doctor. You'll notice I didn't address other gyno cancers like ovarian, fallopian tube, cervical.... (The HPV virus puts people at a higher risk for cervical....) so please make an appointment to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Make a list of questions ahead of time to take with you to your next appointment.

I have a feeling that you are really worrying - like I think we all do - about more cancer. At some point, the concern abates a bit and we are able to move on.

Maybe others will be along with other info but that's my opinion.

Wishing you the best.
Kate

Kate, gave good advice.
I am a BC survivor (2003) an was diagnosed with uterine cancer in April of this year. I was undergoing BRAC1/2 counseling at the time. If your BC was er/pr positive you have a high risk of developing ovarian cancer. UC, however did not change my probability of BC reoccurring. I am glad that I had the TAH. Getting the ovaries out is just one more thing that I don't have to worry about. My UC was stage 1b, no further treatment.
By the way, I am a third generation BC survivor.
Hugs,

(((tiffany8))) Are you asking about the likelihood that you might develop new cancers in other body parts, or the likelihood that the original breast cancer might recur in other areas, or any cells left behind from the breast cancer might metastasize to other areas of the body?

As has already been mentioned, breast cancer shares some risk factors with other "female" cancers, so if you are vulnerable to one, you may also be vulnerable to the others. However, if you're asking about recurrence, or metastasis, the answer is no. The most common areas for breast cancer metastasis are the bone marrow, brain, lungs and liver. Here's a link to more information about the different types of breast cancer metastasis and recurrence:

http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/bcrecurrence.asp

If, however, you were to subsequently develop cancer of the uterus, cervix, vagina or ovaries, I believe those would be considered brand new cancers and not recurrence or metastasis.

I hope, of course, that you're merely asking a hypothetical question here, and that you don't have anything to be worried about.

s,
-Linda

Thank you Kate, BeaBea, and Linda for taking the time to respond to my question - that was really nice and helpful