Q & A

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, accounting for a significant number of cancer cases each year.

Yes, men can develop breast cancer, although it is much rarer compared to women. Men have breast tissue, and factors like genetic mutations or elevated estrogen levels can increase their risk.

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can often be felt as a lump or seen on an X-ray. It can develop in different areas of the breast, including the ducts, lobules or connective tissue.

Early detection through regular screening mammograms can significantly improve outcomes, and it’s important to consult a health care provider if you notice anything unusual.

There may be times whether because of an accident, injury or illness, you may not be able to make sound decisions about your health care. However, decisions still need to be made regarding your treatment and care; directives outline who can legally speak on your behalf and see that your wishes are carried out.

The Designation of Health Care Surrogate takes effect as soon as your physician deems that you are unable to make your own health care decisions. A Living Will will be enacted only when your attending physician along with a consulting physician determine you are:

1. Unable to make your own medical decisions and are unlikely to regain this ability.
   
   AND
   
2. In a terminal persistent vegetative state, an end-stage condition, or in any other condition that you specified in your Living Will. A more complete definition of applicable conditions can be found in the instructions section of the Advance Directives form available for download above.

Requirements for notarization and witnesses you need present when you sign your Advance Directives may vary by state law. An advance directive is valid in Illinois if it is signed and witnessed by two qualified witnesses, the person signing is at least 18 years old, and it is not a situation where the person is pregnant. The directive remains valid until it is revoked, changed, or expires on a specific date, if one was included. Illinois has specific statutory forms for a Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will that must be used to comply with state law.

This may vary by state law. In Illinois, these documents are valid for your lifetime, unless you change it, revoke it, or it contains a specific time limit. They become void at the time of your death or when you have rescinded them or declared them void.

Two main statutes guide the Advance Directives. At the federal level there is the Patient Self-Determination Act. In addition, each state has laws that provide for Advance Directives.