The National Cancer Institute estimates 231,840 men and women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. More than 40,000 people will die from the disease this year. Though one in 10 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, 89 percent of patients with breast cancer survive five years or longer due to early detection and treatment.

With so many people facing or likely to face breast cancer, questions abound. Can diet reduce risk? How often are mammograms recommended? Should family members be tested for BRCA gene mutations? What factors suggest mastectomy versus breast conservation? What happens after the last treatment —will I be the same, able to work, etc.?

Anne Wallace, MD, director of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center at UC San Diego Health, is both a breast oncology surgeon and a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast health, focusing on breast cancer and breast reconstruction. Her dual training provides a unique perspective and understanding of the patient’s needs. Her research focus includes developing molecular imaging technology to detect breast cancer and has led the breast team in building a large scale clinical trials program.

Wallace and other breast oncologists with Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health will be available throughout October to discuss breast cancer prevention, personalized treatment options and survival.