Everyone has questions concerning cancer and Michael Sherman, medical director for Contra Costa Oncology, would like to answer yours. Contra Costa Oncology has offices in Walnut Creek, Concord, San Ramon and Rossmoor.  If you have questions for Dr. Sherman, e-mail Donna Lynn Rhodes or Martha Ross, editor for Walnut Creek Patch, at martha@patch.com. 

Q.  My mom had breast cancer, am I more at risk?

A. You might be.  Like colon or ovarian cancer, breast cancer can have an inherited component.  It's important to discuss your family history with your doctor and update them as it changes.  The risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 7 and there are systems and tests to measure an individual's risk.  Although most inherited cancer syndromes affect people at a younger age, there are now ways of screening individuals at risk, genetic testing and even medications to help prevent cancer from developing.  It's important to have an open dialogue with your physician so you can review all your options.

 Q:  Is one kind of cancer more treatable than others?

A: The most important factor in treating any cancer is early detection. It's imperative that you discuss any changes to your health with your doctor and update them on family members who were recently diagnosed with cancer. Every cell type has a chance of becoming cancerous and every cancer has a prognosis and specific treatment to put that cancer in remission. There are drugs such as chemotherapy that work on some tumors, but not others. Biological treatments that help restore the immune system have been developed. These, and other promising treatments are bringing us that much closer to a cure.