Concern about another cancer

[Ninagram]

On trial of Ibrutinib and venetoclax for 3 months. Very concerned because I got called to have a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound after my routine mammogram. Is it common to have another cancer with Cll. Thank you

[JR1964]

Yes, we are at higher risk. But having said that I would not worry about something that may not come to a secondary cancer. My wife had to do a second test on her breast and found out to be a cyst. Was given the option of removing it or not. She chose to remove it. Always best to get checked. STAY STRONG J.R

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Hi Ninagram,

While there is a higher risk of some secondary cancers, in particular skin cancers, it is also fairly common for women with CLL to have suspicious mammograms investigated only to find the cause is a swollen lymph node. So while you follow through with the recommended diagnostics, be reassured that you are strangely enough in a better situation than women without CLL!

Neil

[pkpayne]

Hi Ninagram, the same thing happened to me. After my regular mammogram I was called back for a diagnostic mammogram but that came back ok. I know what a scary feeling that is however. Fingers crossed that it will be the same for you.Paula

[Ninagram in reply to pkpayne]

Thanks Paula. Will let you know

[thompsonellen]

I had two suspicious mammograms that led to a biopsy that turned out to be nothing last year. That wasn't my first biopsy to test for a secondary cancer last year, and the other one was also nothing. Yes, we can get secondary cancers, but I have a lot of friends without CLL who have more than one cancer. Best to try to stay in the moment and try to defer getting upset until there is something to get upset about. This strategy has (mostly) worked for me.

[Ninagram]

Thank you.

[livinglifewell]

Along with my SLL I have gastric carcinoid carcinoma, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, parathyroid tumors, and mammography/US is following a suspicious lesion in one of my breasts. So, yes, CLL and other cancers are common. I understand colon and skin are the most common.