Is Hodgkins Linked In Any Way With Breast Cancer?

I have a young friend who has Hodgkins and was wondering if there is any relationship between this and Breast Cancer -- like a higher frequency, comes as a secondary, etc.  Any ideas?  Thanks, Cath

There is a higher incidence of breast cancer after therapy for Hodgkin's, but I'm pretty sure it has to do with the type of therapy received. From what I've read because I am concerned about my future health, if a patient's chest is irradiated, the risk increases. I have to start going for mammograms next year at 25 because of the therapy I received. I'm pretty sure that radiation is the link, but there may be others that I don't know about. Hope this helps, I hope everything goes well with your friend!

Yes prior Hodgkins patients are at risk of a secondary cancer with the highest one being Breast Cancer. It is not due to the Hodgkins disease but the radiation. I had mantal radiation to the neck and chest area 27 and half years ago at age 15. Due to my age of when I rec'd the radiation and the area to where I rec'd it, I was adviced to have Breast MRI's every year. When I went in Oct.07 they found a suspious area. My Breast Surgeon said we are going to do a needle biospy, if that comes back negative then we will do a tissue biopsy b/c I am going to treat you like you have cancer until I can prove otherwise. Both came back negative and I truly believe she was surprised. She adviced me at the point to have a bilateral mastecomy. After many hours of sleepness nights, crying and consultation with her and the plastic surgeon I had it done Feb 28th. I am 6 weeks out  and in my heart of heart I know I did the right thing. I will have my implants put in about 4 month and then mipple reconstruction. IT WAS A DIFFICULT DECISION -ESPECIALLY EMOTIONALLY.

 I had all ready been through the Chemo/radiation and didn't want to do it again or ahve my kids see me suffer. I have 3 beautiful girls 14, 12, 11---which they said I probably wouldn't have b/c the chemo drugs could cause me to be sterile. I want to watch them grow, graduate, marry and see my grandkids.

I hope I was able to answer your question.

PAULA

Thanks Paula, your information was very helpful!  Best wishes to you and your family.  Your decision was a very difficult one, but at least you know that the probability is now much higher that you will be able to play with your grandchildren in the years ahead!  The future is yours!!  Thanks again, Cath

Yes YEs Yes. I ama 20 years hodgkins survivor. I had raditaion in my early 20's . I also had ABVD and MOPP. I was able to have two wonderful healty children. I chose to have a risk reducing double mastecomy this march. A small tumor was found(metaplastic carcinoma) . I am not sure (drs are trying to figure out what is best) if I need to have chemo again(as an adjunt) . I have heart issues from the treatment. Tell you friend to have an MRI and If she fells strongly to talk to her Onc and talk to a surgen  I thanks God I did what i did when I did it. The results would have been different if I had waited!!!! good luck.

Hi Mrsdg8!  Thanks for your excellent advice -- I'll talk to my friend and let her know what you have said --- what a brave decision!!  Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question!!  Cheers, Cath