Dr. Harvey Discusses Preventing Breast Cancer

Harold A. Harvey, MD, Professor of Medicine, Director, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, explains that he is excited about the advances that have taken place in the field of treating breast cancer and is happy with the progress that has been made so far.

Harvey feels the biggest step in the future will be preventing breast cancer from ever occurring, which he feels we are falling behind in. Methods exist to prevent some forms of breast cancer, but these are not being widely applied. Although oncologists can play a role in counseling a patient's relatives the role of preventive medicine generally falls on the hands of the primary care physician.

Some of the preventive methods available, such as tamoxifen or evista, are difficult to take because of possible side effects. Lifestyle changes, such as diet, weight control, and avoiding obesity are all preventive measures that individuals need to consider.