Important Information for Patients from Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the College of American Pathologists

NORTHFIELD, Ill., July 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recent media reports of potential misdiagnosis of early-stage breast cancer may frighten women away from breast cancer screening that could save their lives.  Rather than shying away from screening, women should know the questions to ask and be confident about weighing their options, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world's largest breast cancer organization, and the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the world's largest association composed exclusively of board-certified pathologists.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100729/DC42703LOGO)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100729/DC42703LOGO)

The media reports point to concerns about misdiagnosis or overtreatment of women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the earliest form of breast cancer.  Komen for the Cure and the CAP urge women to consider asking the following questions if they are diagnosed with DCIS or any other form of breast cancer:

• What type of breast cancer do I have?
• Was my tumor examined by a board-certified pathologist in an accredited laboratory?
• Will my treatment plan or care plan be discussed with other physicians or be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team?
• Can you review my pathology report with me and provide me with a copy?
• If I want a second opinion, will you provide me with the names of physicians or institutions that you recommend?

Komen for the Cure and the CAP urge women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, including DCIS, to speak with their doctors about the benefits and risks of their treatment options.  

For additional information to help empower patients' participation in their health and wellness, please visit the komen.org and the CAP's patient websites, MyBiopsy.org and MyHealthTestReminder.org.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure:

Komen for the Cure, the world's largest breast cancer organization, has funded more than 50 DCIS research studies since 2000, investing nearly $22 million, greatly advancing the scientific understanding of biomarkers for DCIS, new imaging techniques using advanced modalities to help understand disease progression and early detection, and additional treatment options, including a vaccine.

About the CAP:

The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving more than 17,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world's largest association composed exclusively of board-certified pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The College is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective patient care.

SOURCE College of American Pathologists