If You've Thought About Breast Cancer…
by Rose Kushner was first published in 1979 by the American Cancer Society, District of Columbia Division, as "What to Do...If You Find Something That Suggests Breast Cancer," then rewritten and retitled as "If You’ve Thought About Breast Cancer....". Four subsequent editions were published by the Women’s Breast Cancer Advisory Center (now the Rose Kushner Breast Cancer Advisory Center). The National Cancer Institute distributed them in the early 1980s and the American Cancer Society reprinted the seventh edition in 1996 for distribution through its divisions and units. Rose created and wrote the first six editions of this series and still inspires its purpose and content.

The printed, eighth edition was updated through March 2000. This WEB-Site edition includes regularly updated, current information about women’s risks of developing breast cancer, mammography screening, diagnostic techniques, primary and adjuvant therapies, breast reconstruction, lifestyle practices and drugs that may reduce risks, clinical trials and sources of information, advice and support for women. But new results of research and clinical trials continue to be announced and even more recent news may change or add to what is reported here.

Physicians, other healthcare and women’s support group professionals in research and clinical practice who are recognized authorities generously gave their time to review the printed eighth edition for its technical accuracy and relevance.

This publication is dedicated to Dr. Bernard Fisher, principal director of the National Surgical and Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) for more than 25 years, now scientific director. Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, the NSABP is the oldest and most important international program of clinical trials to compare new procedures and treatments with current standards for breast cancer. Recent and past results of NSABP and other clinical research groups are reported throughout this edition.

Continuing as well as past clinical trials by the NSABP and the other cooperative cancer study groups are vital to improving quality of life and survival for breast cancer patients. All women everywhere, their daughters, spouses, partners, families, and friends owe an immeasurable debt to Dr. Fisher, to all the dedicated physicians involved in these programs and to tens of thousands of courageous women participants.