Question:
RAPID weight loss concerns re: Breast Cancer

I have a concern regarding my family history. I have 4 aunts who have had mastectomies. My mother had a mastectomy and bone marrow transplant. My cousins are developing breast cancer (one has already died at age 45). Let me tell you - I get my mammograms RELIGIOUSLY every year and I stay away from HRT..!! My question is: During RAPID weight loss, when fat cells are depleting, isn't a large amount of estrogen being released from the fat cells and flooding our system? Is it the type that can bind to estrogen receptors? Given my family history, is Novadex (Tamoxifen) a good choice for me post-op? I keep imagining going through this surgery and learning to live a healthy life again..only to develop Breast Cancer two years later!! What a tragedy that would be... I've asked my PCP about this.. but she is completely new to this WLS thing (I did my own research and located my own surgeon 2 1/2 hrs. away from my home), so she doesn't have an answer. I have my Pre-op testing in two weeks - will try to get an endocrinologist consult then. Response from any physicians reading this would be GREATLY appreciated..    — Diane E. (posted on November 2, 2001)

November 2, 2001
You are asking good, technical questions. I urge you to talk to an oncologist to get his/her take on the issue. However, regardless of how heavy you are now, it will be easier to have a mammogram and much,much easier to have it read after weight loss. I do not have breast cancer in my family at all, but I do have a lot of cysts that have thrown me into more than one scare. My PCP has commented on how much easier that is going to be to deal with. Good luck to you.
   — mskarns