Top 5 Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer information has never been more widespread, but knowing how to separate fact from fiction isn't easy. So we were thrilled to have Dr. Elisa Port on the show with us. Dr. Port is director of the Dubin Breast Center, and, as a surgeon, performs more than 300 operations a year. She just released The New Generation Breast Cancer Book, a guide to recovery for the newly diagnosed woman.

1. No "one-size-fits-all" - and thats a good thing!

"Breast cancer treatment and care has become complicated, but it has become complicated because we have so many options," Dr. Port says. What is appropriate for one person isn't necessarily appropriate for another. For a disease that affects as many as 1 in 8 women over the course of their lifetime, advice and experience can come from all over. "I get people all the time saying 'my friend had this [treatment], my cousin had this," she says, "But what matters the most is what's right for you."


2. See a specialist
Because breast cancer care has become so varied and complicated, "it can be hard for general practitioners to keep up with the latest treatment options." Dr. Port suggests seeking out a specialist or a breast cancer specific clinic to find the specific care that would be best for you.


3. Know it's not an emergency
A breast cancer diagnosis does not mean you should take rushed, immediate action. While Dr. Port doesn't suggest waiting "2-3 months", she does recommend taking your time in finding out what options are best for you. "Take a breath, gather information," she suggests.


4. Yearly mammograms
The surest way to prevent breast cancer is also maybe the least glamorous - the yearly mammogram. Talk to your doctor, and see what tests you may need to take in addition to the mammogram.


5. Know that overall survival rate is higher than ever
If you are diagnosed, know that it happened at a better time than ever before. "Overall survival rate is 90%," says Dr. Port, and while individual cases may vary around that number, she affirms the the care is better than it has ever been. Here next tip is mental - "Stay positive! The odds are in your favor."

See the rest of the interview with Dr. Elisa Port!

And be sure to check out Dr. Port's http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/248638/the-new-generation-breast-cancer-book-by-elisa-port-md, available in bookstores everywhere.



You can submit all your questions for our future guests on Mondays with Marlo on Twitter and Facebook.

Add Marlo On Facebook:

Follow Marlo on Twitter:

@MarloThomas

Weekly Newsletter

Sign up to receive my email newsletter each week - It will keep you up-to-date on upcoming articles, Mondays with Marlo guests, videos, and more!

Sign up here

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.