Fashion designer Betsey Johnson, 81, is known for sexy silhouettes and hippie designs reminiscent of the 70s. She was a pioneer in women’s fashion and is a staunch supporter of breast cancer awareness.
Johnson, a breast cancer survivor, says her experience with the cancer that affects millions of women came after she woke up with “one breast.”
Last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drew attention to lmore than two dozen cases of skin and blood cancer possibly linked to implants. However, SurvivorNet experts Dr. Sarah Kate and Dr. Jordan Jacobs they emphasize “how small the incidence” of these cancer-related cases is compared to the total number of women who receive breast implants each year.
“It is not possible to conclude from these preliminary data that cancers are definitively linked to breast implants,” doctors Sarah Cate and Jordan Jacobs previously told SurvivorNet.
Recently, the FDA recently advised that removal of textured breast implants for cancer prevention is “not recommended” in asymptomatic patients.
The FDA issued it statement in response to an expert panel formed by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) that conducted a review on breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery several months ago.
“Since the occurrence of BIA-ALCL is uncommon, prophylactic removal of textured implants is not recommended in asymptomatic patients. However, individual patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks of removal with their healthcare providers to make an informed health decision.”
The American Cancer Society says Breast implants that include saline and silicone may make it difficult to visualize the breast during the exam. However, if you tell the technologist that you have implants, they will do additional imaging. In some rare cases, during the mammogram, the implants may rupture.
Betsey’s breast cancer journey
“I go to bed with two boobs. I wake up with one breast,” Johnson continued.
The famous fashion designer went to the doctor to find out why her breast implant failed. While at the doctor, he decided to remove the other implant and “go back to normal.”
After the implant was removed, she noticed the scarring under her breast and noticed a small lump the size of a pea among the scar tissue.
“I was like, ‘What’s going on there, that tough pea?’ Something I never would have discovered if the implant hadn’t deflated,” Johnson said. explained in People magazine.
He returned to the doctor, who recommended further tests.
“I came from my doctor’s appointment where I found out, yes, I have cancer,” Johnson said.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, although details about the type of breast cancer remain unclear. She underwent a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue) and a month of radiation for treatment.
CAUTION: Choice between lumpectomy or mastectomy.
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove cancer or abnormal tissue from the breast. It is also known as breast conserving surgery because, unlike a mastectomy, only the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue is removed.
Dr Sarah Cate is Head of Breast Surgery at Stamford Hospital. She tells SurvivorNet that breast surgeons will help patients make the right decision about a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
“Mastectomy has very specific indications,” Dr. Cate said.
“Some of the things that could predispose to a mastectomy are things like a large volume-to-breast ratio, or cancer in more than one area of the breast, or things like a genetic mutation,” Dr. Cate added.
Radiation therapy for breast cancer involves high-energy rays that target cancer cells to kill them. This treatment method is often used after surgery to help reduce the chances of the cancer coming back. Many women receive radiation as part of their treatment, especially if they choose a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy.
Expert resources for breast cancer screening
He kept it a secret
Johnson kept her breast cancer diagnosis a secret for months.
“I didn’t tell anyone from a fashion show in February until the next fashion show week, which was in September. The fashion industry supports breast cancer all the way,” Johnson explained.
During this September event, she went public with her cancer journey.
She explained to a packed audience that she had been battling breast cancer for six months. Her vulnerability gave her “amazing support at the opening of the fashion show week”.
WATCH: Sharing diagnosis
“Patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer sometimes wonder how they will handle the cancer diagnosis in social situations,” explains psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik.
Questions like “How much information should be shared and with whom should the information be shared?” are things Plutchik says patients take into account.
Dr. Plutchik explains, “There is no one right way to handle this diagnosis. People should do what feels right to them.”
Questions like “How much information should be shared and with whom should the information be shared?” are things Plutchik says patients take into account.
Dr. Plutchik explains, “There is no one right way to handle this diagnosis. People should do what feels right to them.”
A cancer journey can take months to years, which means cancer warriors can experience a lot of uncertainty until they fully understand where their health is at. This uncertainty can affect when a cancer patient is ready to share their diagnosis, Dr. Plutchik further explained.
Dr. Plutchik emphasizes that those close to a person going through cancer should respect their wishes when it comes to disclosing their diagnosis and seeking support.
Betsey used her experience to support other women
Betsey has become an advocate for supporting early detection and mammography.
She says her daughter previously had a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts) and other women who had prophylactic mastectomies (preventive mastectomy) because they carried the BRCA gene mutation, which increases the risk of breast cancer and ovarian.
“Get your mammogram, your mammogram, your mom,” Johnson encouraged.
She adds that in addition to staying current with screenings, if you happen to be diagnosed with cancer, focusing on your mental health is just as important as your physical treatment.
“I think being optimistic is 98% of the gig. I mean, you can fight, fight, fight, but your mind has to be positive or you’re not going to get anywhere,” Johnson said.
When to Get Screened for Breast Cancer
There is broad consensus in the medical community that women should have annual mammograms between the ages of 45 and 54. But an independent group of experts called the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says women should now start getting mammograms every two years at age 40, suggesting that this has lowered the age for breast cancer screening. breast could save 19% more lives.
The American Cancer Society recommends getting a mammogram every other year for women 55 and older. However, women in this age group who want extra reassurance can have annual mammograms.
CAUTION: Mammograms are still the best tool for detecting breast cancer.
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer, a genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA gene mutationor a medical history, including chest radiation therapy before the age of 30, are considered to be at higher risk for breast cancer.
Menstruating at a young age (before 12) or dense breasts can also put you in a high-risk category. If you are at higher risk of developing breast cancer, you should start screening earlier.
Learn more about SurvivorNet’s rigorous medical screening process.
